Improving Maths Pedagogy and Practice (IMPP) Scale by Kingston, Denise; Siraj, Iram; Barrett, Judy;

Short description:

The Improving Maths Pedagogy and Practice scale (IMPP) is an innovative way of assessing and improving the quality and effectiveness of mathematics teaching in the first few years of schooling. It is informed by the evidence-based practice shown to improve children’s outcomes, and extensive professional development delivered by the authors.

Long description:

The Improving Maths Pedagogy and Practice (IMPP) scale is an innovative way of assessing and improving the quality and effectiveness of mathematics teaching in the first few years of primary or elementary schooling. It is informed by the evidence base of practice shown to improve children’s outcomes and extensive professional development delivered by the authors.

The IMPP supports both the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of teaching mathematics to young children, encourages positive dispositions towards maths, and addresses issues such as maths anxiety and disengagement. It focuses on teaching developmentally appropriate maths with understanding, using ‘maths talk’, child-friendly contexts, concrete, pictorial and abstract representations to their best effect.

This unique measurement scale supports:

• the teaching of early mathematics in primary/elementary schools, using the evidence base of what works best to support fluency and mastery


• teachers’ content and pedagogical content knowledge of mathematics, including comprehensive sets of practical examples


• quality improvement processes and self-assessment of the mathematics taught in classrooms


• children learning mathematics with understanding, which also supports their engagement, enjoyment and achievements


• researchers, auditors and/or inspectors looking for a measure of mathematical quality and effectiveness in the classroom

The IMPP will help teachers and school leadership successfully develop their children’s mathematical understanding, reasoning and problem solving. Educators can use the scale for self-evaluation of their own practice, so they can build on what they already do well and improve where required. Leadership teams and mentors can use it to audit quality, support positive discussions and set effective development targets. The scale is particularly useful when supporting children living with disadvantage, and those with additional learning needs and maths anxiety.

The IMPP booklet offers a research-based, tried and tested approach to mathematics teaching development in the early years of primary education; with detailed attention to supporting children's mathematical engagement, thinking and understanding.

- Tim Rowland, University of Cambridge, UK.  

A school's approach to mathematics will, typically, be scheme driven, with a focus on pupil attainment and curriculum coverage, often to the detriment of research. The IMPP successfully fills the void, providing a research-informed mathematics tool that positions teachers' professional development at the heart of subject-pedagogical improvements. With approaches and considerations that are incremental in focus, the IMPP facilitates opportunities for teachers to become self-directed agents of their own learning. Aligned directly to classroom practice, teachers are clear on its impact in supporting improved mathematics outcomes for children.

- Stephanie Flower, Oxford Brookes University, UK.

Around the world, early childhood curricula and learning frameworks refer to the importance of supporting children’s numeracy. However, they differ widely in the degree to which they address specific mathematics concepts and skills – beyond counting and shapes. Knowing what mathematics strands to focus on and how children’s learning progresses along continua, are crucial first steps towards encouraging children to apply these concepts and skills in their everyday lives. Yet, many early childhood educators are uncertain about how to support mathematical thinking as well as what words to use. The Improving Maths Pedagogy and Practice Scale sets out key content areas, pedagogical considerations, and the characteristics of ‘maths talk’ that teachers want. By suggesting ways to partner with parents, the IMPP also gives guidance on enhancing the home numeracy environment. With the primary aim of supporting reflective practice by providing concrete indicators of good basic, very good and excellent practice, the IMPP can be used by researchers or by educational leaders to support professional learning. This must-have resource will elevate your professional library and expand your expertise.

- Caroline Cohrssen, University of New England, Australia.

Table of Contents:

1. Introducing the 'Improving Maths Pedagogy and Practice' Scale

2. Background

3. Underlying Principles of the IMPP Scale

4. Content of the IMPP Scale

5. Using the 'Improving Maths Pedagogy and Practice' Scale

6. Scoring the Scale

7. The IMPP Score Sheet, Inter-Rater Reliability Sheet and Profile

8. Glossary of Terms