Re-thinking math
Island vice-principal publishes book on how teachers can improve their teaching strategies
A math literacy book written by an Island educator has hits the shelves.
David Costello, vice-principal of Greenfield Elementary in Summerside, has authored a book, “Using What Works - Strategies for Developing a Literacy-Rich Environment”, through Rubicon Publishing.
Costello has spent a better part of his career helping instructors further their teaching abilities. With a doctorate in education, Costello has been a leader in elementary-level math in the public-school board.
Through his work, Costello saw a need in the classroom. His book is a compilation of strategies teachers can use to help the improvement of their students.
“For many years, my career was focused on supporting teachers in their professional learning on math. I wanted to provide a resource I didn’t see out there – something that could make their work manageable and make subtle changes in their teachings.”
Costello’s book had been a passion project after he saw a connection of how teaching in literacy and in math is similar.
“I saw that many of the structural practices we use in literacy can be applied in math. I’ve been writing it off and on. I would think up a strategy, draft it and tuck it aside. It started as something to do on the weekends.”
Costello’s book is broken down into three parts of what he thinks are key components in a teacher’s education tactics.
“The first is instructional practices, how teachers can approach math from an instruction point of view. The second is what we hope the student approaches the math problem and how they engage in the mathematical task. The third is the way the teacher can structure the classroom, whether it be physical space or its resources.”
Although the book is targeted for kindergarten to Grade 6, Costello says the book can be used for any level of math.
He hopes the book can be a tool for teachers to adapt and develop their skills.
“It’s a book meant to be picked up and not just read front to back. They can open it and if there is a specific strategy needed, they can go directly there. I wanted to make something that could be at a teacher’s fingertips.”
Costello has been at numerous math conferences and conventions regarding his book, including the Ontario Mathematics Education Association (OAME) where he released his book in May.
He is also set to be a speaker at this year’s P.E.I. Teacher Federation convention in November.
Someone who has been supportive of Costello’s work is Sandra Jay, principal of Greenfield Elementary.
“I first heard about the book in the fall of last year. He’s quite modest about it, but we were all excited about him finishing such a project.”
Jay has yet to finish reading the book, but she said she has a strong sense of how the book could be impactful in the classroom.
“I like the premise; he’s making a connection between literacy instruction to a math-rich environment. I know at my school we’re going to be having a good look into this resource. We’re excited to have someone in our system who has produced such a great book and we should definitely take advantage of that.”
Jay said Costello is an asset to Island learning and instruction.
“With David’s work and expertise, we have a real opportunity here in this province a strong instructional leadership. He’s done great research into math and math instruction.”