Step 3 begins by identifying, in district and state math standards, a particular grade-level topic that is essential for student understanding. This step provides both a structure for problem-solving activities related to the current conceptual unit of study focus and a general problem-solving rubric or scoring guide that is used throughout the year to assess student work. Mental Math helps students become skillful in computing math problems mentally. It also prepares students for success on the annual state mathematics assessment. Math Review emphasizes the development of number sense as students practice procedural mathematics and computational skills every day. Step 1: Computational Skills (Math Review and Mental Math) Demonstrate understanding in a variety of assessment formats.Develop mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.By balance we mean the deliberate design of instruction and assessment that helps students: How can teachers create mathematically powerful students-students who can solve problems and also communicate their understanding to others? Our extensive experience as elementary and middle school math teachers has proven that when students are engaged in a “balance” of mathematics activities, they can succeed where it counts: in applying their math skills and reasoning ability to solve real-life problems requiring mathematical solutions. We are all excited about math in our district and the results we are getting with our students.”ĭirector of Elementary Curriculum and Student Services Our students are excited about the Problem of the Week. Our teachers are excited about Math Review and Mental Math. We are working toward conceptual understanding and not just teaching the procedures of math the same way we were all taught math. Textbooks, like any other resource, are incidental to the implementation of quality math teaching and learning. We emphasize that our state standards are our curriculum, and this is the framework we are using to plan and teach these standards for understanding to our students. Five Easy Steps to a Balanced Math Program helps teachers focus on teaching concepts for understanding, as opposed to marching through a textbook. “We are using this framework extensively in our school district. Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township Five Easy Steps to a Balanced Math Program is so highly regarded in our school district, it has made our list of “non-negotiable” professional practices!”įormer Mathematics/Science/Assessment Coordinator The philosophy of the five steps reinforces our desire to create mathematically powerful students. “ Five Easy Steps to a Balanced Math Program has revolutionized the way our teachers approach math instruction! The five steps not only represent best practice they are easy to understand and can be implemented by our teachers immediately following awareness/training sessions. Newly Republished on Amazon KDP! A Simple Framework That Works with Any Math Textbook Series to Create Mathematically Powerful Students!įIVE EASY STEPS TO A BALANCED MATH PROGRAM by Larry Ainsworth & Jan Christinsonģ Separate Grade-Band Editions and the Amazon Links to the Books:
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