About IPSD's Math Curriculum
IPSD’s Mathematics Curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This curriculum dictates end-of-year student outcomes for each grade level. Students will explore more of the spectrum of mathematical ideas through a deeper understanding of key mathematical concepts and an in-depth study of all content strands of mathematics. An emphasis is placed on helping students recognize that there are a variety of ways to accomplish a task, and encouraging them to use the best tools and strategies for solving problems.
Through out the school year students will be engaged in the Eight Mathematical Practices as a foundation within our specific units of study:
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
• Look for and make use of structure.
• Model with mathematics.
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Attend to precision.
• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.
Our curriculum uses multiple resources support and enhance learning. Some of these resources include:
• Everyday Math
• Eureka Math
• Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Model Units
• Learn Zillion
• Khan Academy
Content strands include:
Student’s skill levels are assessed based on what have been determined to be beginning, developing, and secure goals within each unit of study. This is outlined in the student progress of profile (POP) and shared through our Quarterly Report Cards.
About IPSD's Math Acceleration Program
Math Acceleration is begins at third grade and continues each year through high school. The program is for students who demonstrate a strong knowledge of math facts and mathematical problem solving and are beginning to apply that knowledge in different ways. Third grade students will learn skills typically presented in the third and fourth grade math curriculum. Fourth grade students will learn skills through the fifth grade curriculum and fifth grade students will continue on through the sixth grade curriculum. Students placed in the program are expected to master skills at a quicker pace. Placement will be determined by scores obtained on math placement tests local assessments, standardized tests and teacher recommendation. The middle school program has similar criteria for entry and will accelerate students to allow them to complete a standard high school algebra course by the end of eighth grade. Questions concerning this program should be addressed to your child’s classroom teacher or the building principal. Project Arrow Math is offered at the middle school. This is more highly selective in its entry requirements as it is a two year accelerated sequence. In PA math, students complete a 2 year high school math equivalence program by the end of the 8th grade (algebra in 7th grade and geometry in 8).
Resources for Mathematics
Stanford University: You Cubed
Inspirational Math, Creative Math Practice and Growth Mindset Activities
Scholastic Math Maven Mysteries
Calling all math detectives! Mysteries are popping all over town, and our chief sleuth needs your help to crack each case.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/maven/
Primary Games
Online Math Games for the computer and tablets
http://www.primarygames.com/math.php
Illuminations
Standard-based Resources for Mathematics (online tools, practice, games)
http://illuminations.nctm.org/Default.aspx
Illinois Teach and Talk
User friendly supplemental materials for math practice based on the standards
http://www.ilteachandtalk.org/
Khan Academy
Free tutorials