Beginning Elementary Teachers' Curriculum Use in English Language Arts and Mathematics

• In Event: Curriculum as a Means of Improving Teaching

Abstract

In this paper, we aim to examine ways novice elementary teachers mobilize and adapt curriculum materials in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics in their instruction. We draw on a framework (Forbes & Davis, 2010) designed to understand novice teachers’ mobilization and adaptation of their science curriculum materials. Using interview transcripts from 27 beginning teachers, we identify patterns in teachers’ curriculum use across the two content areas. In particular, we find that beginning teachers use curriculum materials in a range of ways and that an individual teacher can use curriculum materials in mathematics differently from how they use materials in ELA. We discuss the significance of these findings for researchers and teacher educators.

Authors

• Byungeun Pak, Dixie State College of Utah

• Corey Drake, Michigan State University