Applied Mathematics / Functional Mathematics
This course builds essential math skills for daily living, employment, and post-secondary independence. Instruction focuses on practical application, problem-solving, and individualized learning goals aligned with IEPs and state standards.
Students will:
Develop number sense and basic computation skills
Apply math to real-life situations (money, time, measurement)
Strengthen problem-solving and reasoning abilities
Increase independence and confidence in math
Prepare for employment, community participation, and adult living
Explicit, step-by-step instruction
Multisensory strategies (visuals, manipulatives, technology)
Repetition and spiral review
Small-group and individualized instruction
Real-world simulations and projects
Whole numbers, decimals, fractions
Place value
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Estimation and rounding
Use of calculators appropriately
Life Skills Focus: Counting items, estimating totals
Identifying bills and coins
Making change
Budgeting basics
Banking basics (checking/savings)
Understanding paychecks, taxes, and simple bills
Life Skills Focus: Shopping, budgeting, earning money
Telling time (analog and digital)
Elapsed time
Reading schedules and calendars
Planning daily routines
Life Skills Focus: Work schedules, appointments
Length, weight, volume
Temperature
Customary and metric units
Measuring tools
Life Skills Focus: Cooking, travel, home tasks
Understanding fractions visually
Comparing fractions
Ratios and proportions
Percent (discounts, tips, tax)
Life Skills Focus: Sales, recipes, comparisons
Patterns and sequences
Simple equations
Variables as “unknowns”
Input/output tables
Life Skills Focus: Problem-solving and reasoning
Shapes and their properties
Area and perimeter
Volume (introductory)
Reading maps and layouts
Life Skills Focus: Space planning, navigation
Reading graphs and charts
Creating simple graphs
Interpreting data
Life Skills Focus: Understanding information in media and work settings
Performance-based tasks
Observations and checklists
Quizzes with accommodations
Projects and real-world simulations
IEP-aligned progress monitoring
Extended time
Calculator use
Visual aids and graphic organizers
Reduced problem sets
Alternative assessments
Assistive technology
Manipulatives (money, clocks, rulers)
Visual schedules and anchor charts
Calculator and math apps
Real-world materials (menus, receipts, bills)
Skill mastery and growth
Participation and effort
Application of skills
Progress toward IEP goals
Job-related math tasks
Community-based instruction
Budget planning projects
Mock shopping or banking simulations