ABSTRACT
There are five moves that teachers can use to make guided math groups great. First, teachers must practice balanced assessment. They must collect evidence of learning throughout the cycle, prior to the learning, during the learning, and after the learning. Second, they must use the data to inform grouping of students. Flexible grouping is a linchpin that holds it all together through the planning of targeted, flexible, temporary groups. Third, teachers must plan continuously. Planning makes the wheels turn. Fourth teachers must scaffold the instruction. Scaffolding is tricky and must be done just at the right time, but it is one of the most powerful tools that a teacher can use. Finally, feedback is important. Students need immediate, specific, constructive feedback to guide their learning. Students soar when they get feedback that is useful, immediate, and specific.
