High-Leverage Instructional Routines for Powerful K–5 Mathematics Instruction - EDC-X740AA

Course Description

Credit Validation for Coaching that Counts Participants Only

High-leverage instructional routines are more than engaging classroom activities—they are purposeful instructional structures that create opportunities for teachers to uncover and respond to student thinking, promote meaningful mathematical discourse, and deepen conceptual understanding.

In this self-paced online course, participants will explore how carefully selected instructional routines can strengthen K–5 mathematics instruction. Through authentic classroom videos, guided reflection, analysis of student thinking, lesson planning, and opportunities for classroom application, participants will develop an understanding of when, why, and how to use instructional routines to support mathematical reasoning, increase student participation, and foster productive mathematical conversations.

Participants will examine instructional routines that develop number sense, promote mathematical discourse, and encourage students to explain, justify, and build on one another’s ideas. Through analysis of authentic classroom instruction, they will identify the teacher moves that make these routines effective and learn how to intentionally select routines that align with specific mathematical goals rather than using them as isolated activities. Featured routines include Number Talks, Notice & Wonder, Same & Different, Which One Doesn’t Belong?, Quick Images/How Many Do You See?, and Choral Counting.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a repertoire of high-leverage instructional routines, strengthened their ability to facilitate purposeful mathematical discussions, and created an implementation plan for integrating these routines into their instructional practice. Ultimately, the course is designed to help educators create mathematics classrooms where student thinking drives instruction and every learner has meaningful opportunities to reason, communicate, and develop deep conceptual understanding.

If you would like to purchase Continuing Education Units (CEUs) instead of USD Graduate-Level Extension Credit (GLEC), CEU participants will receive a Confirmation of Completion Letter documenting the CEUs earned, which can be downloaded and provided as a PDF for professional records. Click here for CEU Requests – Participant Instructions. 

Learner Outcomes

• Analyze how high-leverage instructional routines support mathematical reasoning, discourse, equitable participation, and conceptual understanding in K–5 mathematics classrooms
• Select high-leverage instructional routines that intentionally align with mathematical goals, anticipated student thinking, and different phases of a mathematics lesson
• Design K–5 mathematics lessons that strategically integrate high-leverage instructional routines to make student thinking visible, promote meaningful mathematical discussions, and deepen conceptual understanding

Course Details

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Coaching That Counts Participants.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization (Echelon Scholars)
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

• Homepage: Coaching That Counts
• Enroll: High-Leverage Instructional Routines for Powerful K-5 Mathematics Instruction
• Contact: Cheryl Fricchione - coachcheryl@mathcoachingthatcounts.com - 609-232-6868

Step 2: Complete the Course 
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments. (Some courses, specifically DoDEA courses, may require participants to purchase units before the course ends; please check the enrollment window for details.)

Step 3: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization and completing your program, return to USD’s website.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 4: Partner Organization Submits Grades
After you finish, the partner organization will submit your final grade to USD.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
No further action is needed. Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned university credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Once we receive your certificate of completion, we will begin processing your transcript. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.