Collaboration, Curiosity, and Student Thinking Take Center Stage in Ukiah

The Ukiah PK-3 Coherence Collaboration (P3CC) is leading an exciting shift in how math is taught and experienced across their schools. Their goal is to make math a subject students celebrate and enjoy, where every learner feels confident sharing their reasoning and engaging in meaningful mathematical conversations.

This transformation began with teachers’ willingness to try new practices like Counting Collections and Choral Counting, which encourage students to explore numbers, notice patterns, and explain their thinking. With strong support from site coaches and principals, teachers have been given the time and space to reflect, share, and grow together during staff meetings and within professional learning communities (PLCs). These shared learning experiences have sparked a growing network of educators eager to learn from one another and bring joyful, engaging math experiences to their classrooms.

The spirit of collaboration extends beyond Ukiah’s own schools. Both sites have opened their doors to visitors, including teachers, site administrators and county partners who come to observe, document, and share the innovative practices taking place. This openness has built a strong sense of community and a shared commitment to improving math instruction and celebrating student thinking.

Now in their third year, the Ukiah team is designing multiple districtwide professional development opportunities that will bring all elementary teachers together for shared learning. Teacher leaders are at the heart of this work, designing and facilitating sessions that connect directly to classroom practice. These peer-led sessions have been especially powerful in building trust and supporting teachers to implement new strategies with confidence.

Ukiah’s efforts are also closely aligned with their upcoming math materials pilot in partnership with the county. By intentionally weaving together their P3CC improvement work, their Math Framework cadre, and the pilot process, the team is ensuring coherence across initiatives. Through their commitment, collaboration, and care, the Ukiah team is creating a lasting shift in how math is taught, experienced, and celebrated—one classroom at a time.