Scaffolding Rigor in
Mathematical Discourse
WIDA 2014 National Conference October 24, 2014
Maria Cieslak and Francine Gollmer
Clark County School District
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Outcomes

Use the Backward Assessment
Model to build Specification
Sheets and
Formative/Summative
Assessment Blueprints

Decompose graphic organizers
to increase oral and written
academic discourse

Scaffold timelines using the
Gradual Release Model
Activity: Value Line
Backward Assessment Model
1. Identify learning goals
2. Determine acceptable
evidence and assessments
3. Plan learning experiences
and instructional methods.
Gradual Release Model
1. Direct Instruction
”I do it.”
2. Guided Instruction
”We do it.”
3. Collaborative Learning
“You do it together.”
4. Independent Work
“You do it alone.”
Instructional Considerations
®
®
Academic Language Focus
Mathematical Content
Instruction
®
Area/Perimeter
SBAC Test Sample Question
SBAC Test Scoring Rubric Continued
Pre Assessment:
Stacked Bridge
Stage 1 – I Do
• Multi Flow Map –Cause Effect
• Correct/Incorrect
Stage 4 You Do
Alone
Stage 2- We
Do Together
•Flow Map
•Relating Factor: This
drawing represents
the area of a garden
that is.... because I
used this equation...
• Multi Flow Map
• Correct/Incorrect
Stage 3 – You Do Together
•Side by Side Circle Map
•Perimeter24 feet/ Area 24 square feet
Pre Assessment: Stacked Bridge
 Precision- square feet/feet
 Difference between area/perimeter
 Multiple equation formulas for perimeter
Stage 1: Direct Instruction “I Do”
One of these students is correct.
Which one?
Students can keep the effect throughout their discourse and change the outcome
if their partner(s) make convincing arguments in the causal relationship.
Stage 2: Multi-Flow Map “We Do Together”
Stage 3: Side By Side Circle Map
“You Do Together”
Which Language Skill Levels is this supporting?
Clark County School District, Las Vegas,
NV
Contact Information
Maria Cieslak,M.Ed.,NBCT Francine Gollmer, M.A.
fmgollme@interact.ccsd.net
mariacieslak@yahoo.com
myciesla@interact.ccsd.net
For Thinking Map Training Information visit:
• Thinking Maps®
• Thinkingmaps.com
• kevin@thinkingmaps.com