Lesson study is a professional development strategy that developed in Japan. Teachers study a lesson by collaboratively researching a topic and writing a resear...ch lesson. The lesson is then tested by a teacher in a group while the other teachers in the group observe both the teacher and students. Based on what they learn, the teacher team refines the lesson and then another teacher tests it. The teacher group meets regularly and long term to work on the design, implementation, and refinement of several lessons. Researchers have been studying the Japanese lesson study model for years, but the very different environment in US schools has prevented a wholesale adoption of this highly regarded form of professional learning. Using a grant for the NSF, Wiburg and Brown trained dozens of teachers in the lesson study process and successfully translated the Japanese model for a US context. Working in poor schools with ethnically and linguistically diverse student populations, Wiburg and Brown's program made significant progress in closing the achievement gap in participating schools. The book incorporates a culturally responsive approach to curriculum, instruction, and assessement. It also includes the voices of teachers involved with the project as well as extended learning exercises to help readers work through the process on their own. This implementation guide: Explains how to link lesson study to the school or districts instructional goals Describes the research lesson - the heart of lesson study - with case examples and step-by-step guidance Provides insights into reflecting on the process as a group and sharing the group's findings with a largeraudience Shows how lesson study can be integrated successfully into the daily work of the schoolDetailed info »« Brief info