Title 1 Math
Math education at K.A. Brett:
Information for Parents
What you should know:
- The math guidelines that we follow in Tamworth are called the Common Core State Standards (CCSS); they were created at a grassroots level, and have now been adopted by 45 states and the District of Columbia. http://www.corestandards.org/
- The Common Core standards emphasize a balance of conceptual understanding of key concepts, procedural skill and fluency, and the application of the concepts and skills in real-world problems.
- Our math program (Math in Focus) is very well aligned to this balanced approach to teaching and learning mathematics.
Conceptual Understanding
We are exploring math on a deeper level, using multiple models for students to reach understanding. You may notice that we are de-emphasizing quick shortcuts to getting the right answer.
We are pushing our students to explain their thinking; we want to know their process for solving a problem. We also want students to be aware of their own thinking. This deepens understanding.
Procedural Skill and Fluency
Our students need to know their math facts in order to be fluent with procedures; facts should be rooted in conceptual understanding, but they must also be practiced.
In order to build mastery and fluency, math facts should be practiced in school and at home.
Application (or Problem Solving)
Solving problems by applying skills and knowledge is a critical piece of our math program. Skills, knowledge and fluency alone are not nearly as meaningful unless they are used to solve real-world problems.
We are teaching students to solve broader problems, some simple, some complex, some familiar, some unfamiliar. These are essential skills for success in life.