1. Building and engaging a network
2019 Carnegie Foundation Summit on Improvement in Education
Jennifer Stevens, President/CEO, Virginia Advanced Study Strategies
Alicia Belcher, RMIN Math Teacher, Ridgeview High School
Dr. Kenn Barron, Professor of Psychology, James Madison University, MRI
Darla Edwards, Director of Special Projects, Virginia Advanced Study Strategies

2. Rural Math Innovation Network
Conducting research for USED to create new innovative education models
Education nonprofit
Hub of the
Rural Math Innovation Network
Mission to assist K12 schools in preparing students for college and careers

3. Virtual networked improvement community (NIC)
Aim to improve student motivation and performance in mathematics
4-year research project funded by USED i3 program
James Madison University and University of Mary Washington researchers
30 pre-Algebra and Algebra I teachers in 16 rural divisions

4. Our reason for VIRTUAL
High-poverty rural schools lack resources for quality PD
Expansive and mountainous geography makes travel difficult and expensive
369 miles – 6 ½ hour drive
Needs across rural schools are very similar
Many math teachers have no peer with which to collaborate in their schools or divisions

5. Our working theory of improvement…
Aim
Primary Drivers
Change Idea
To improve student motivation and performance in mathematics
Increase student growth mindset, self-efficacy, and value of math to improve motivation
Create and refine math lessons to include GM, SE, and value strategies

6. Repository of lesson plans to share among teachers for improving student motivation and success in math
Ultimate Goal…

8. Building the Network – Year 1
Common aim selected before RMIN was established (due to i3 RFP priorities)
Partners and evaluator engaged – contracts required by i3
Teacher selection criteria developed from lessons learned in prior rural projects
Online application process created for teachers to apply for participation in RMIN
Virtual platform and tools selected and created by staff and partners

9. Our Virtual NIC
Zoom to screenshots

10. Building the Network – Year 2
Webinars held about project expectations and benefits
MOUs signed by superintendents
Teachers selected from application pool
Plans for training and support developed by partners and staff
Teacher agreements - expectations and stipends outlined
Summer institute held with teachers and principals
Small and whole-group webinars for follow-up and support
…and we STILL had LOTS of CHALLENGES!

11. Initial Challenges Issues with internet connections at home and school
Blocked content on school networks
Varying levels of technology know-how
Glitches/needed improvements in platform
Teacher discomfort with video-recording themselves
Concerns about judgement from peers
Worries about videos being used by administrators for evaluation
Input from Alicia – also separate between admin/hub/researcher vs teacher

12. Ultimate Challenge Teacher engagement in RMIN – low MOTIVATION
Some had low EXPECTANCY – “Can do”
Some had low VALUE – “Want to”
All had COSTS – barriers like time, issues with technology, need for more training, etc.
Needed to apply our MOTIVATION formula for students on the teachers, too!
M = E + V – C

13. How we are increasing E + V and lowering C
More individual and small-group communication about needs
Assistance provided to principals for supporting teachers
Improvements to platform and tools using PDSA cycles
Creation of teams within RMIN and stand-up meetings
Additional face-to-face time for relationship and trust building
Use of familiar technology (i.e., Facebook, Skype, FaceTime)
More structure for project expectations and timelines

14. Challenges continued - Year 3
No control over internet connection issues
Some still lag in technology know-how
Most are struggling with peer-to-peer feedback
Desire to be “nice” rather than “honest”
Comments tend to be “pats on the back” instead of suggestions for change
Watching videos and doing observations is time-consuming

15. “RMIN has changed the way I teach…”
Teacher Perspective
Through RMIN, I have the ability to connect with fellow teachers, despite living and working in an isolated community…
I am able to virtually collaborate with other teachers across Virginia to improve instructional strategies, seek classroom advice, or offer my support.
- Alicia Belcher
“RMIN has changed the way I teach…”
Emphasis on growth mindset language every day – the power of “yet”
Use of real-world scenarios to help students see value in math
Students now “persevere when faced with challenging problems”

16. Lessons Learned (so far…) – Year 3
Relationships and trust are critical for network members
“Can do” and “want to do” attitudes + reduction of barriers = engaged participants
Virtual NICs may be KEY to improving education in rural areas
Add Alicia slide about wins/successes