Our Approach to Mathematics Instruction

Our Approach to Mathematics Instruction

The teachers and administrators of Berkeley High School recognize the importance of providing a rich understanding of mathematics for all students. We are committed to providing instruction, tutoring, and additional supports to promote joy and confidence in learning mathematics, while preparing students broadly for life after high school. Through teaching Common Core-aligned courses (to both the Content Standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice), our goal is to provide all students with a strong understanding of mathematics including critical thinking and problem solving, no matter what they choose to do after graduation. This approach prepares students of all levels to participate in many fields, including science, technology, engineering and math, known as STEM.

Common Core vs. Mathematics Vision Project

The Common Core State Standards are a set of STANDARDS that have been developed by a panel of educators that define what mathematics students are expected to know and do throughout their K-12 schooling. You can read more about the standards here. While Common Core includes Standards for Mathematical Practice, it does not include a curriculum or dictate how mathematics is taught.

The Mathematics Vision Project (MVP) is a Common Core-aligned CURRICULUM that BHS has thoughtfully chosen through which to teach mathematics. We use the curriculum to guide our classroom activities and homework assignments.

The Common Core Standards is a set of standards while MVP is the curriculum we use to teach the standards.

About MVP

BHS math teachers use the Mathematics Vision Project (MVP) curriculum for Math 1, Math 2, and Math 3. The curriculum is available for free online (link below) and there are many resources on the MVP website. We like MVP for many reasons such as:

• Activities are discovery based so students develop concepts, not only skills
• Low-threshold, high ceiling tasks allow all students full participation in the standards
• Story contexts and visual representations support conceptual and procedural understanding
• Tasks are designed to surface students’ intuitive understandings and then move them towards extensions, formalization and fluency
• Is aligned to both the Common Core State Standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice

More MVP Resources:

• Learning Cycle
• Teacher Role
• Links to MVP materials:
  • About the curriculum
  • Math 1 Curriculum
  • Math 2 Curriculum
  • Math 3 Curriculum
• Read more about the MVP curriculum and how it is aligned to the Common Core standards here.