Educational Goals

Math Education Goals. The priority is to ensure that all students have a firm conceptual understanding that supports problem solving and procedural fluency. Students will learn the Mathematical Practices (MP) through a balanced approach that emphasizes flexibility in their reasoning (MP#2), ability to explain using precise math vocabulary (MP#3 & #6), using appropriate tools and models (MP#4 & #5), and generating general methods or shortcuts (MP#7 & #8), The most important Mathematical Practice is #1 - Perseverance as this is the heart of what it takes to be successful in any endeavor, but especially in math. Students will use a variety of assessments including formative, summative, performance tasks, and perhaps most important, self-assessment for metacognition as brain research has shown us how important this is in reaching our goals.

College & Career Preparation. An equally important priority is to prepare all students for their college and career pathways (www.AVID.org). The Common Core State Standards are designed to help all students better achieve their potential by using an evidence based approach that emphasizes reasoning over teacher authority. In other words, the goal is for students to reach their potential by being able to answer the question, "When am I ever going to use this?" (www.achievethecore.org/about-us).

Financial Literacy. In today's technological age, it is too easy for children to not notice how much items cost, especially all the attendant costs. Many of them do not realize that there is sales tax and that it is added onto the net total. Also, some are unaware that discounts are a percentage that should be subtracted from the whole. Because interest rates are so low, many children have never had a savings account which deprives them of the knowledge of how money can compound. Additionally, many parents are rightfully concerned of the possible downside to having children handled their own credit card. There is concern that it could lead to overspending and possible insolvency.

I suggest that financial activities be monitored and allow students the opportunity to discuss financial matters which will enhance their understanding of how the world works. Start with an allowance using "star charts" which will teach responsibility. Place half of their earnings in a savings account and the other half to be spent at their favorite shop. Ask your child to guesstimate discounts, tips, and sales tax. Make it into a game.