⎯⎯Department of Mathematics⎯⎯
The Department of Mathematics is part of the RCSD Division of Teaching & Learning and provides academic and instructional support in mathematics for grades K-12. It coordinates and supports the implementation of standards-aligned curricula, quality instruction, assessments, and professional learning opportunities while keeping equity at the center.
⎯⎯Our Vision⎯⎯
We envision our students becoming independent critical thinkers who persevere in solving complex real-world problems and use mathematics to make sense of, understand, and positively impact their communities.
⎯⎯Our Core Beliefs and Commitments⎯⎯
Every student can and will succeed in learning mathematics. In every math classroom, every day, all students will have the opportunity to:
1. Develop Positive Math Identity: Develop growth mindsets that celebrate the diversity of thought, recognize mistakes as part of learning, and persevere* through tasks.
2. Engage in a Deep Understanding of Mathematics: Make sense of mathematics in the classroom and beyond; use tools and representations to find solutions; explain and reflect on their strategies through mathematical discourse*.
3. Learn in Safe and Supportive Environments: Learn in safe and supportive environments where students take risks, revise their thinking, and ask questions about their learning.
4. Have Access to Grade-Level Content with Scaffolds/Supports: Engage in rigorous, grade-level mathematics through high-quality curricular materials, with appropriate scaffolds of learning and language development to meet and exceed Mathematics standards, thus increasing their opportunities for the future.
⎯⎯Our Mathematical Shifts- Core Instructional Practices⎯⎯
Shift To: Sense Making and Problem solving
Educators implement tasks to promote sense-making, reasoning, and problem-solving through productive struggle. Educators ask students to explain their thinking beyond just sharing the answers.
Shift to: Modeling with Math
Educators make the mathematics of the lesson explicit through the use of explanations, representations, tools, and/or examples.
Shift to: Discourse to Develop the Understanding
Educators create the conditions for discourse where students are encouraged to discuss and critique each other’s thinking. Students write, talk, and ask questions to clarify and improve their mathematical understanding.
