Spotlight on PLN Progress with Leander ISD 

Spotlight on PLN Progress with Leander ISD 

Thanks to Tony Bonazzi, Mary Alice Smith, Alicia Westcot, and Angela Yun for their leadership in our two-year Math Peer Learning Network (PLN). E3’s Math and Attendance PLNs met in May to share ideas, growth, and next steps. 

Leander ISD set a goal to understand what prevents teachers from fully using the district’s instructional framework and to help shift teacher mindsets about math instruction. To tackle this, the district worked with E3 to conduct empathy interviews with elementary and secondary math teachers. These conversations gave valuable insight into the challenges teachers face.  

The K–12 math curriculum team reviewed and analyzed the interviews, looking for patterns their Framework Task Force could use to guide their work. 

Leander ISD and E3 also formed the K–12 Math Task Force to design a clear districtwide math framework. At the same time, their Professional Learning Community reboot helped teams strengthen collaboration and begin using key parts of the framework in secondary math. 

Looking ahead, Leander ISD will:

• Keep working with the K–12 Math Task Force to develop and launch the new math framework, with input from teachers and campus leaders. 

• Compare the interviews from grades K–5 and 6–12 to find common themes. 

• Fully roll out the revised curriculum for grades 6 through Algebra II. 

• Continue helping teachers and campus leaders build a strengths-based mindset in math instruction. 

• Host Joy of Math event this summer to spark conversations that will shift mindsets. 

We’re inspired by this partnership and look forward to the next chapter!