Recent math research has focused a great deal on developing a thorough understanding of math. There has also been a great deal of brain research on the appropriate mindset when interacting with math. Twenty-first century skills require that all students be able to solve real-world complex problems. In shifting towards that goal, Common Core Math was developed. In Pennsylvania, we have adopted our own PA Core Math; however, there is a great deal of overlap between both.
Each grade has its own expectations in terms of the concepts and ideas which should be mastered. We have links for each grade level with resources to help further develop your child's understanding of the topics in class.
The one thing that all grades have in common in math is the development of mathematical practice. Common Core has eight underlying principles for mathematical practice. They are the following:
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
- Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
- Model with mathematics.
- Use appropriate tools strategically.
- Attend to precision.
- Look for and make use of structure.
- Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Our curriculum in K-5 is based upon the Eureka Math. Eureka Math is aligned to the PA core standards and focuses on helping students develop the appropriate skills at each level as well as the principles for mathematical practice.
Eureka Math helps students develop a concrete, pictorial, and abstract understanding of math. Research has shown that students who develop mathematical connections between concrete, pictorial, and abstract concepts are able to solve more complex math problems. The National Council for Teachers of Math argue that students should develop the following mathematical connections.
Developing Math Connections
Students who are able to make all five connections in any given area are better mathematical students.
When students are starting to understand a concept, for enrichment they should not be expected to just do more of the same concept. Instead, students should think about being able to do the following:
- Draw a picture explaining your solution.
- Make a physical model using manipulatives or other objects explaining your solution.
- Write a note to a friend explaining your solution.
- Turn to a partner and explain your solution.
- Create a real-world problem which is similar to your problem. Attempt to solve your problem using a different method.
All five techniques can be used on the same problem and help develop students' further understanding of a math concept.
Eureka Math has at least four basic concepts:
- Lessons need to link the following ideas in students' heads: the concrete, pictorial, and abstract approaches to a mathematical concept.
- Students need to be able to visualize a problem.
- Students should all be engaged in thinking about problem solving.
- Utilizes Read, Draw, Write as the foundation for problem solving.
For further information about your specific grade, please click on your link. Below are universal math options that the district uses to help students practice the math skills learned in their classes.
Math Online Options
- Reflex Math
- Students work independently on basic math facts. For this database, contact Dr. Nesbitt and ask to be invited as a teacher. You will set up your class by selecting your students. Once students are in your class, they can work at their own pace to work on basic math skills.
- Students log in to this by typing their teacher's username, selecting themselves in the class, and using their password, which is fords followed by their student number. For example, if their student number is 12345, their password would be fords12345.
