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Data-Informed Instruction Part 2: Small Group Targeted Practice

Creating meaningful independent practice that advances student learning

AuthorAuthor

Riz Malik & Jonathan Ben-Isvy
October 07, 2025

In this second post in our three-part series on data-informed instruction, we'll focus on using Coteach to support targeted small-group practice. Any teacher who has led small-group instruction knows that success depends on ensuring students who are not in the teacher-led group are engaged in meaningful independent or collaborative work. And this work must genuinely advance their learning rather than simply keep them busy!

In this post, we'll show you how to use Coteach to design independent practice activities that advance student learning by crafting problems tailored to students' data-informed areas for growth. You'll notice that the process is quite similar to the one we used to design teacher-led small group lessons, with a few adjustments to make the activities work well for independent practice.

Start with the Data

In our previous post, we explained how the IM K-5 "Pre-Unit" and 6-12 "Check Your Readiness" diagnostic questions can be used to identify the concepts and skills students need to practice to ensure success with core-lesson learning. The same approach applies here! Let's walk through the steps.

Four-Step Process for Designing Targeted Practice

Look at student responses from the "Pre-Unit" or "Check Your Readiness" questions and identify patterns in student thinking. Then share trends with Coteach:

Example Prompt: "A group of students got problems 4 and 5 incorrect. What conceptual understanding and procedural skills are needed for success with these questions?"

Ask yourself: "Which of the conceptual understanding and procedural skill gaps appear most frequently in my students' responses?"

Step 3: Collaborate to Create Targeted Practice Questions

Work with Coteach to develop practice questions that meet students' specific needs. While every classroom situation is unique, here's a framework you can adapt for effective prompting:

  • Explicitly state the concept and/or skill focus

  • Provide the amount of time (How long will students work independently? 15 minutes? 20? Be specific!)

  • Include any special instructions to better support your students (and you!) such as diagrams/visuals, a teacher answer key, etc.

Example Prompt (based on Grade 5, Unit 4: Wrapping Up Multiplication and Division with Multi-Digit Numbers): Converting between fractions and decimals and multiplying by place value seem to be the main challenges. Prepare a set of practice questions that addresses these. Where appropriate, include diagrams. Provide enough questions for a 15-minute activity and a teacher answer key with explanations.

Use Coteach to create practice problems based on pre-assessment data

Step 4: Review and Refine

Look back at the diagnostic questions your students missed and ask:

  • Do these independent practice questions help students build the conceptual knowledge and skills needed for success?

  • Is there clear guidance so students can work independently?

  • Are the diagrams accurate and do they support the mathematical concept?

  • Can the problems realistically be completed in the designated time?

Continue your collaborative conversation with Coteach until you're satisfied with the practice design. The most valuable interactions emerge through back-and-forth, just like working with a trusted colleague!

Keeping Practice Responsive

Student needs are ever-evolving. As you collect information from exit tickets and formative assessments throughout the unit, use Coteach to help you respond to what you're learning about your students. Design targeted practice that aligns with the unit's progression and addresses your students' changing needs.

Ready to create meaningful independent work that advances student learning? Start with Coteach today! 

Next in our series: Using Coteach for Independent Enrichment