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The purpose of this resource is to identify big ideas in each grade level. For Math, these domains or clusters will have leverage supporting student acceleration in other areas of math at their grade level. The ideas promoted in this document focus on students being able to use mathematics not just compute in math. Computation is important and using it in context to create meaning and understanding generates the greatest results.

These Blocks are intended to be used as unit openers which will provide teachers with insight into the strengths and challenges each student has as they enter the unit. The tasks could also serve as a touch point throughout the unit as students build understanding. It is a common experience that can be used to monitor growth in the concepts.

Note – the primary focus is to establish the strengths and concerns around student knowledge at the beginning of the unit. This is more important to provide teachers with information than a student’s particular answer. It is our hope that these will be used to build understanding rather than identifying a level at a particular time.