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•The Common Core Math Standards call for a new level of rigor, depth, and coherence that will prepare our students to compete successfully in college and in the modern workforce.
Why Math in Focus?Transitioning to Math in Focus
•After careful review, Dunlap teachers and administrators felt the Math in Focus series was the resource needed for our students to achieve the curriculum as set forth by the Common Core Math Standards.
Why Math in Focus?•Transitioning to Math in Focus
• Trends In Math and Science Study (TIMSS)
A Comparison of the United States and Singapore•Math in Focus Research
A student’s attitude and belief he or she can do the math is as important as actual ability.
•Did You Know?
•Students will learn the ‘why’ behind the math concept before they learn the ‘how’.•This allows teachers to teach to mastery.
•Benefits of Math in Focus
CONCRETE PICTORIAL ABSTRACT
VISUALIZATION
MATH AS THINKING
Key Strategies
•Chapter Pre test•Lessons•Chapter Post test
• Assessments (pre and post tests) are designed to meet the rigor of the Common Core State Standards. Therefore routine and non routine problems are included.
•Unit Format
• Pre tests in the Math in Focus program are
philosophically different. In Math in Focus,
students doing well on the pretest means that
they are READY to learn the topics covered in
that chapter. It does not mean the child already
knows the material.
Pre Tests in Math in Focus
Each lesson follows this format :
Direct InstructionGuided PracticeHands-On ActivityLet’s PracticeIndependent Practice One important note: Lessons in Math in Focus require
multiple days to ensure mastery is being achieved. No longer will there be a new lesson every day.
•Direct instruction revolves around conversations and visualizations of the skill being taught in the lesson.
•Through conversations between teacher and students, a solid foundation is established.
•Direct instruction occurs several times during a lesson.
•Direct Instruction
Students will not see the picture. Rather, the teacher uses the picture to guide the conversation.
•What Direct Instruction Looks Like…
• Includes:• Manipulatives• Teacher questioning• Cooperative grouping
•This occurs several times throughout the lesson.
•Guided Practice
•What does Guided Practice Look Like?
•Allows the students to demonstrate their understanding of a skill.
•Allows the teacher to assess students’ understanding and correct errors
•Hands-On Activity
Students applying what they know•Hands on Activity:
• Last step before independent practice
•Allows the students to demonstrate their understanding of a skill independently in class
•Allows the teacher to assess students’ understanding and correct errors
•Let’s Practice
First Steps to Independence•Let’s Practice
•Students will move to independent practice when understanding has been demonstrated in the classroom.
•Although some independent practice will take place at home, most will be done in school.
a.k.a. ‘Homework’•Independent Practice
•The concepts and skills are intentional, designed to prepare students for success in more advanced mathematics.
Math in Focus Sequence
•A curriculum as it develops should revisit basic ideas repeatedly.
•Each time a concept is revisited in Math in Focus, it is also extended.
•Students are not just repeating skills, rather practicing the same skill at a higher level.
Based on the work of Jerome Bruner•Spiraling in Math in Focus
Differentiation in Math in Focus:
On Level Learners have experiences that will solidify
their learning.
Struggling Learners spend more of their experience in
the concrete phase, with manipulatives and visuals to
aid their learning.
Advanced Learners have experiences of varying
complexity to extend their learning.
• In order to change the way a student learns, teachers must change the way they teach.
• As the nation transfers to the new expectations of the Common Core State Standards, what is taught and how it is taught will evolve to meet those guidelines.
•Final Thoughts
• A parent meeting is being planned for later this Fall. Please watch for further information.
• Feel free to visit: http://www.greatsource.com/singaporemath/faq.html
• Or Dr. Yeap Ban Har’s blog:
• http://www.blogger.com/profile/14995827943531633736
•For further information
