Overview

The Lincoln Public Schools elementary mathematics program is matched to the Nebraska State Math Standards. Grade level content has been designed to ensure students have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills outlined in the 2022 Nebraska College and Career Readiness Standards for Mathematics, which can be found at this link: https://www.education.ne.gov/contentareastandards/

The content standards have been divided into four categories:

• NUMBER: Students will communicate number concepts using multiple representations to reason, solve problems, and make connections within mathematics and across disciplines.

• ALGEBRA: Students will communicate algebraic concepts using multiple representations to reason, solve problems, and make connections within mathematics and across disciplines.

• GEOMETRY: Students will communicate geometric concepts and measurement concepts using multiple representations to reason, solve problems, and make connections within mathematics and across disciplines.

• DATA: Students will communicate data analysis/probability concepts using multiple representations to reason, solve problems, and make connections within mathematics and across disciplines.

In addition to the content standards, the Nebraska Mathematical Processes also drive our math lessons:

1. Solves mathematical problems.
   Through the use of appropriate academic and technical tools, students will make sense of mathematical problems and persevere in solving them. Students will draw upon their prior knowledge in order to employ critical thinking skills, reasoning skills, creativity, and innovative ability. Additionally, students will compute accurately and determine the reasonableness of solutions.

2. Models and represents mathematical problems.
   Students will analyze relationships in order to create mathematical models given a real-world situation or scenario. Conversely, students will describe situations or scenarios given a mathematical model.

3. Communicates mathematical ideas effectively.
   Students will communicate mathematical ideas effectively and precisely. Students will critique the reasoning of others as well as provide mathematical justifications. Students will utilize appropriate communication approaches individually and collectively and through multiple methods, including writing, speaking, and listening.

4. Makes mathematical connections.
   Students will connect mathematical knowledge, ideas, and skills beyond the math classroom. This includes the connection of mathematical ideas to other topics within mathematics and to other content areas. Additionally, students will be able to describe the connection of mathematical knowledge and skills to their career interest as well as within authentic/real-world contexts. 

Click here to visit the Nebraska Department of Education site to read more about Nebraska's Standards. 

Homework F.A.Q.

Why do students have math homework?

Homework is an opportunity for students to do independent practice of the concepts they are learning in math class.

How often will students have math homework?

In Kindergarten, students will begin to have math homework on a regular basis, but not necessarily every night.

Students in 1st – 5th grade will have math homework to do almost every night.

How can families/guardians help with homework?

Decide on a consistent place and time for students to work on their homework – help build a habit.

Provide encouragement, but don’t take over. It is important that teachers see the student’s thinking (even mistakes) on the homework page. Seeing where students have confusion helps the teacher make decisions about instruction.

How much time should students spend on math homework each night?

K-2: 15-20 minutes

3-5: 20-30 minutes

What if it is taking a lot longer than that?

If a student hasn’t finished their math homework even after working diligently for more than 20-30 minutes, have them stop. Write a quick note to let the teacher know that they were unable to finish in the allotted time, and have the student turn in what they were able to get through.

Core Structures

Warm-up

The opening five minutes of each math lesson are dedicated to activities that allow students to practice newly acquired knowledge. These consolidating tasks help students to become faster and more accurate with the concepts. Occasionally, leading activities prepare the ground for new concepts before they are introduced. 

Drawn models

Special manipulatives are used at key points. However, students move toward math drawings as rapidly as possible. These drawn models help students relate to the math situation, facilitate students’ explanations of the steps they took to solve the problem, and help listeners comprehend these explanations. The drawings also give teachers insight into students’ mathematical thinking, and leave a durable record of student work.

Language development

The lessons offer a wealth of learning tasks that directly support language development. In addition to verbalizing procedures and explanations, students are encouraged to write their own problems and describe their problem-solving strategies in writing as soon as they are able.

Independent Practice Pages (Homework)

To help students achieve a high level of mathematical performance, students complete independent practice assignments. Remembering Activities provide practice with the important concepts covered in all the units to date.