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Board approves UCLA Center X cognitively guided instruction training for K''5 teachers
Summary
The Duarte USD Board approved a grant-funded professional development partnership with UCLA Center X to deliver cognitively guided instruction (CGI) training, coaching and lesson-study supports for kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers.
The Duarte Unified School District Board of Education on Thursday approved a districtwide professional development partnership with UCLA Center X to deliver cognitively guided instruction (CGI) for kindergarten through fifth-grade math teachers.
Dr. Kelly Lawson, Senior Director of Educational Services, told the board the CGI program emphasizes students' mathematical reasoning, problem solving and discourse rather than only procedural computation. "CGI is a research-based approach to teaching mathematics," Lawson said, explaining the professional development includes four whole-staff trainings, classroom learning labs (lesson studies), one-on-one coaching and regular district-level check-ins.
Lawson said the program is intended to align classroom practice with recent state math framework shifts and the district's Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) goals, and that it is funded with restricted dollars: the Educator Effectiveness grant and Supplemental and Concentration funds tied to LCAP actions. The work is scheduled to begin in October and run through April, with coaches assigned to each school, monthly leadership-team meetings, three learning-lab cycles per year and four district check-ins.
A board member asked why middle grades were not included; Lawson said secondary math teachers are receiving different professional development this year focused on culturally responsive math instruction under a separate initiative led by Dr. Kirkwood. "For this year our focus is K-5 based on teacher interest and existing needs," Lawson said.
Board members praised the focus on teacher expertise and sustained coaching rather than one-day workshops. The board approved the CGI professional development partnership unanimously (motion by Board Member Reyes; second by Board Member Olguin). District staff said the item will return as an action item with contract details on the consent or action calendar as required.
Why it matters: The district is investing restricted professional-development funds to strengthen K-5 math instruction with the explicit goal of boosting student reasoning and problem-solving skills across grade levels and aligning instruction with state standards.
