Ratio and Rigor in the Elementary Classroom

Stephanie Adams
Principal, KIPP Infinity Elementary School

Lindsay Fry
Principal, KIPP Infinity Elementary School

What Works in Urban Schools

January 21, 2012 NYU Kimmel Center www.whatworksined.org

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Do-now: As you come in take a post-it note and define the terms ratio and rigor either with a picture or a key
term.

Ratio: Shifting the balance of cognitive heavy lifting (thinking) from the teacher to the students. The
students inherently will do more of the speaking, talking, writing (when applicable) and analyzing. (Lemov) Techniques
Some strategies here include: a) call and response b) half-statements c) fill in the blank d) whats next/what comes before e) unbundling f) elaborating or building on g) why/how* h) testing the logic i) playing dumb j) asking students whether they agree or disagree with another students answer

Lets Practice! Choose 1-2 techniques that you want to practice. Find a partner and imagine that you are leading a class discussion on the difference between urban and rural communities. Have them pretend to be a student answer questions, practice your two techniques to increase ratio!

Rigor: Rigor is the goal of helping students develop the capacity to understand content that is complex,
ambiguous, provocative, and personally or emotionally challenging. (Teach What Matters) Techniques
Some strategies include:

Stretch It!

Right is Right

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Elaborative Interrogation

Close the Circuit

Think-Pair-Share
1. What techniques for ratio do you already use? 2. What techniques for rigor do you already use? 3. What are you going to try that will make the biggest impact?
Video Reflection: we are going to watch some classroom moments. Please use the space below to capture your thoughts so we can have a discussion that helps us all grow.
Ratio/Rigor Techniques I saw Other ideas, thoughts and cool things that you see

What will you try tomorrow? Why?