Leading Lesson Study

Jennifer Stepanek is a writer, editor, and researcher with Education Northwest in Portland, Oregon. She is the lead author of Leading Lesson Study: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Facilitators (2007), published by Corwin Press. Jennifer has worked with lesson study teams at a variety of sites in the Northwest to explore how teachers in the United States are adapting the Japanese model to fit their contexts and needs. Jennifer has written and edited a number of articles on lesson study and is also the co-author of An Invitation to Lesson Study, an electronic resource designed to help facilitators and other professional development providers introduce lesson study to others. Her previous projects include serving as the editor of Northwest Teacher, a math and science journal and writing publications for the It’s Just Good Teaching series—research-based monographs on mathematics and science teaching. Melinda Leong has served as a Senior Program Advisor in the Mathematics Education Unit at Education Northwest since 2001. She has been providing leadership in designing effective professional development in mathematics learning, teaching, and assessment. Before joining Education Northwest, she worked with the New York City Board of Education in District 2 as a teacher and director for 11 years at the K–8 level. She was the founder and director of the Manhattan Academy of Technology in New York, a middle school focused on integrating technology into a three-year comprehensive and rigorous academic program. Leong holds a B.A. in education and American studies from Tufts University, an M.A. in elementary education from Hunter College at the City University of New York, an M.A. in administration and supervision from City College at the City University of New York, and a graduate certificate in middle school mathematics from Portland State University.

• Foreword by Bill JacksonPrefaceAbout the Authors1. Introduction—Making the Case for Lesson StudyAn Overview of Lesson StudyCore Elements of Lesson StudyBuilding a Research Base for Lesson Study2. Laying the Groundwork for Lesson StudyBeginning With the Necessary IngredientsAdditional SupportsCreating a Lesson Study Action PlanInviting Teachers to ParticipateFinding TimeGaining Support From AdministratorsFinding External SupportDeveloping a Collaborative School CultureChallenges of Laying the GroundworkMoving on to the Next PhaseKey Ideas3. Starting the Lesson Study CycleRoles and ResponsibilitiesCreating the ScheduleDeveloping Into a TeamIdentifying Group NormsMaintaining Group NormsBecoming a Community of PracticeTypes of Lesson Study GoalsKey Ideas4. Planning the Research LessonProcess for Planning the LessonInvestigating Teaching MaterialsStep 1: Identify the TopicStep 2: Map the UnitStep 3: Identify GoalsStep 4: Create the Lesson PlanReflecting and Assessing ProgressMoving on to the Next PhaseKey Ideas5. Teaching, Observing, and DebriefingRoles and ResponsibilitiesPreparing for the Observation and DebriefingThe Pre-Observation MeetingTeaching and Observing the LessonConducting the DebriefingPreparing for the RevisionChallenges of the DebriefingReflecting and Assessing ProgressMoving on to the Next PhaseKey Ideas6. Revising and Reteaching the LessonWhy Revise and Reteach?Process for Revising the LessonStep 1: Gather and Review the DataStep 2: Analyze the DataStep 3: Identify Needed ChangesStep 4: Revise the Lesson PlanChallenges of the Revision ProcessReteaching and Focusing the DebriefingReflecting and Assessing ProgressMoving on to the Next PhaseKey Ideas7. Reflecting and Sharing ResultsImportance of ReflectionLesson Study ReportsProcess for Developing the ReportAlternatives to a ReportEvaluating Lesson StudyTying Reflection and Evaluation to a New Cycle of Lesson StudyKey Ideas8. Growing and Sustaining Lesson StudyMaintaining MomentumDealing With TurnoverAdding Teams and SitesEmbedding Lesson StudyHosting an Open HouseGoals for Teacher LearningFinal ThoughtsResource A: Sample Research LessonsResource B: Frequently Asked QuestionsResource C: Additional ResourcesGlossaryReferencesIndex

"Guides educational leaders in creating successful lesson study in American schools. The authors provide readers with a compelling rationale for the process, offer experience-tested tools, and suggest ways to address commonly-occurring challenges. This book will assist teachers, and those who support them, in understanding and implementing all phases of lesson study, from initial planning through sharing with others what was learned."