Design Principles for Accelerating Student Learning with High-Impact Tutoring (updated June 2024)
Category: Student Learning
Instrument Overview
The Mathematics Scan (M-Scan) is a classroom observation tool designed to show how well mathematics instruction aligns with the vision set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). It focuses on what high-quality, standards-based math teaching looks like in practice and provides a structured way to capture that information during a lesson. The tool translates key elements of NCTM’s principles, content standards, and process standards into observable features of instruction so that schools and researchers can better understand how closely classroom practice reflects these expectations.
M-Scan includes nine dimensions of instructional quality, adapted from earlier research tools and informed by pilot studies. Observers use a 1–7 scale to rate each dimension, supported by clear descriptions of what low, medium, and high levels of practice look like. The protocol draws on the structure and training model used in the CLASS observation system, so it requires calibration to ensure consistent scoring. M-Scan is intended for use in upper-elementary through high school classrooms and is often used for professional learning, program evaluation, or research on instructional quality.
Organization
Collection Category(ies)
Content
Grades
6th Grade,
7th Grade,
8th Grade,
9th Grade,
10th Grade,
11th Grade,
12th Grade
Languages
English
Respondent
Observer
Administration Information
Length
9 dimensions, One full class period (60 minutes)
Qualifications
Training required
Access and Use
Developer
Robert Berry, Dean and Professor, Mathematics Education, Indiana Univerity Bloomington Temple A. Walkowiak, Assocaite Professor, Mathematics Education, North Carolina State University Holly H. Pinter, College of Education and Allied Professions, Western C
Price
Free
Contact
Robert Berry: rqberry@iu.edu
Temple Walkowiak: tawalkow@ncsu.edu
Holly H. Pinter: hhpinter@wcu.edu
Erik Jacobson: erdajaco@iu.edu
Link
Open Access
Yes
Use in Research
