Mathematics
Common Core Mathematics
How Students Learn Math Today
When speaking to parents about math instruction we often hear comments such as, "what is this new math you are teaching" or "I don't feel like I can help my child with math anymore because I didn't learn it that way". We understand that this can be frustrating to see different strategies and methods that you may not be familiar with used for solving math problems. Please rest assured that you are not alone and we will explain why math instruction looks different than when you went to school.
This "new math" that we are teaching is researched based and has been specially designed to not only teach the procedures for working out math problems but also to build an understanding of how our number system works and the relationships between numbers. This deep understanding will benefit students as they tackle more difficult concepts and harder math courses.
"Understanding refers to a student's grasp of fundamental mathematical ideas. Students with understanding know more than isolated facts and procedures. They know why a mathematical idea is important and the contexts in which it is useful. Furthermore, they are aware of the many connections between mathematical ideas. In fact, the degree of students' understanding is related to the richness and extent of the connections they have made." (2002, Helping Children Learn Mathematics, p. 10.)
CSD Mathematics Instructional Guidelines
- Common Core State Standards will provide the Framework.
- All Students have the potential to reach district and state standards in mathematics.
- The 8 Standards of Mathematical Practices will guide planning and instruction.
- Multiple assessments will guide teachers to make informed decisions about student learning.
- Mathematical discussion is foundational for developing conceptual knowledge.