Rutherford County Schools Math instruction is guided by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS). These standards are designed to help students develop a deep understanding of mathematics, moving beyond memorization to true problem-solving and critical thinking.

In grades K–5, students build a strong foundation in number sense, operations, geometry, measurement, and data. Lessons are structured to support all learners by starting with concrete, hands-on experiences and progressing toward more abstract thinking. Students are encouraged to explain their reasoning, make connections across mathematical ideas, and apply their skills in real-world contexts. By focusing on the NCSCOS standards, we are preparing students with the knowledge, confidence, and habits of mind they need to become independent and capable mathematical thinkers.

Math Standards for Grades K-5

STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE

1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

4. Model with mathematics.

5. Use appropriate tools strategically.

6. Attend to precision.

7. Look for and make use of structure.

8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

K-2 FOCUS AREAS

Counting & Cardinality

- Know number names and the counting sequence. (K)
- Count to tell the number of objects. (K)
- Compare numbers. (K)

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

- Understand addition and subtraction. (K)
- Represent and solve problems. (1, 2)
- Understand and apply the properties of operations. (1)
- Add and subtract within 20. (1, 2)
- Analyze addition and subtraction equations within 20. (1)
- Work with equal groups. (2)

Geometry

- Identify and describe shapes. (K)
- Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes. (K)
- Reason with shapes and their attributes. (1, 2)

Number and Operations in Base Ten

- Build foundation for place value. (K)
- Extend and recognize patterns in the counting sequence. (1)
- Understand place value. (1, 2)
- Use place value understanding and properties of operations. (1, 2)

Measurement and Data

- Describe and compare measurable attributes. (K)
- Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category. (K)
- Measure lengths. (1)
- Build understanding of time and money. (1, 2)
- Represent and interpret data. (1, 2)
- Measure and estimate lengths. (2)
- Relate addition and subtraction to length. (2)

3-5 FOCUS AREAS

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

- Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division. (3, 4)
- Understand properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division. (3)
- Multiply and divide within 100. (3)
- Solve two-step problems. (3)
- Explore patterns of numbers. (3)
- Use the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems. (4)
- Gain familiarity with factors and multiples. (4)
- Generate and analyze patterns. (4)
- Write and interpret numerical expressions. (5)
- Analyze patterns and relationships. (5)

Measurement and Data

- Solve problems involving measurement. (3, 4)
- Represent and interpret data. (3, 4, 5)
- Understand the concept of area. (3)
- Understand the concept of perimeter. (3)
- Solve problems involving area and perimeter. (4)
- Understand concepts of angle and measure angles. (4)
- Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system. (5)
- Understand concepts of volume. (5)

Number and Operations in Base Ten

- Use place value to add and subtract. (3)
- Generalize place value understanding for multi-digit numbers. (3, 4)
- Use place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic. (4)
- Understand the place value system. (5)
- Perform operations with multi-digit whole numbers. (5)
- Perform operations with decimals. (5)

Number and Operations – Fractions

- Understand fractions as numbers. (3)
- Extend understanding of fractions. (4)
- Build fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous understandings of operations on whole numbers. (4)
- Use unit fractions to understand operations of fractions. (4)
- Understand decimal notation for fractions, and compare decimal fractions. (4)
- Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions. (5)
- Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions. (5)

Geometry

- Reason with shapes and their attributes. (3)
- Classify shapes based on lines and angles in two-dimensional figures. (4)
- Understand the coordinate plane. (5)
- Classify quadrilaterals. (5)

NCSCOS Quick Reference Guides

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Parent Guides

RCS Curriculum Partners

Eureka Math

Rutherford County Schools uses Eureka Math as the foundation for mathematics instruction across all grade levels. This program is carefully designed to build strong math understanding by moving beyond rote memorization and helping students see the “why” behind the numbers. Eureka Math emphasizes problem-solving, reasoning, and real-world applications, allowing students to develop fluency while making meaningful connections.

With Eureka Math, students don’t just learn how to “get the answer” — they learn why the math works. Lessons are designed to help children build strong number sense, practice different strategies, and explain their thinking. This approach makes math more meaningful and helps students see how it connects to real life. Over time, your child will gain confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding that will support them as they move from grade to grade.

Resources For Parents

Support For Families

Parent Tip Sheets

Homework Helpers

Math Tutorial Videos

RCSNC Elementary Common Websites & Applications

Additional Resources Used for Classroom Instruction

Rutherford County Schools provides students with access to a variety of approved online tools and educational websites that support learning anytime and anywhere. These resources offer interactive activities and materials aligned to the curriculum. Some tools require student accounts, which may involve limited sharing of basic information such as name, date of birth, or email. Parental consent is required for students to create and use these accounts, ensuring compliance with state and federal privacy regulations.

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