10/26/2015
Math Committee 2014-2015 Made up of teachers of all grade levels. Reviewed and analyzed our current math series. We found that
there were gaps of knowledge through all grade levels. We also saw a slow decline in our math scores on standardized tests
Our Goal: To find a math program:
1. That addresses the gaps of knowledge between grade levels. 2. That we could tailor to meet the needs of all students. 3. With rigor to give students college readiness skills.
1
10/26/2015
What is Rigor? While dictionaries define the term as rigid, inflexible, or unyielding, educators frequently apply rigor or rigorousness to assignments that encourage students to think critically, creatively, and more flexibly. Likewise, they may use the term rigorous to describe learning environments that are not intended to be harsh, rigid, or overly prescriptive, but that are stimulating, engaging, and supportive.*
*Source: edglossary.org
Series reviewed Everyday Mathematics (Grades K-5)
My Math (Grades K-5) Glencoe Math (Grades 6-8)
GoMath (Grade K-8) Envision 2.0 (Grades K5)
Digits (Grades 6-8) Prentice Hall Algebra 1
Math in Focus (Singapore Math, Grades K-8)
2
10/26/2015
Our Top Three enVisionmath 2.0/Digits GoMath Math in Focus (Singapore Math)
Our Findings With Everyday Mathematics and Glencoe Math, which is what we currently used at our elementary and middle schools last year, we found gaps in the standards and content from grades five to six. Furthermore, the digital components of Everyday Mathematics and Glencoe Math were outdated and not user friendly.
3
10/26/2015
Our Findings (cont.) We found the digital components of Math in Focus to be outdated, and GoMath and enVisionmath 2.0/Digits to be user friendly with many similar features. Both GoMath and Envision 2.0/Digits worked well with our smart boards, desktops, laptops, and iPads.
Program Rigor Based on our analysis, we found our top three program choices to be ranked in the following order in terms of rigor:
1. Math in Focus 2. enVision2.0/Digits 3. GoMath
4
10/26/2015
Alignment to Common Core GoMath: 40% aligned Math in Focus: 65% aligned enVisionmath 2.0/Digits: 94% aligned
Committee’s Decision For our K-8 Curriculum We chose the following: K-5: enVisionMath 2.0 6-8: Digits Grade 7 has an Accelerated Math Component Grade 8 has a High School Algebra 1 Component
5
10/26/2015
enVisionmath2.0 Overview Effective- Develops in-depth understanding. Connects mathematical content and practice standards.
Engaging- Interactive learning aides and video tutorials. Personalized practice and immediate feedback.
Efficient- Customize topics, auto-assigns differentiation, and uses assessment data quickly and easily to adjust instruction for our learners. Understand why the steps work!
Classroom/Student Features ACTIVe-book, Student’s Edition Mathematical Practice Classroom Posters Daily Common Core Review Problem Solving Reading Mats Quick and Easy Centers Kit for Differentiated Instruction
Manipulative Kits
6
10/26/2015
Classroom/Student Features (cont.) PearsonRealize.com Math Games Visual Learning Animations Plus Practice Buddy Online Today’s Challenge Solve and Share Math Tools
Classroom/Student Features (cont.) Student’s Edition and eText Interactive Math Stories Animated Glossary
7
10/26/2015
Teacher Features Teacher’s Edition and eText Teacher Edition Program Overview Assessment Sourcebook Math Diagnosis and Intervention System 2.0 PearsonRealize.com Professional Development Videos Listen and Look for Videos Quick Check
At Home Features Online Student Platform- eText (online textbook), practice buddy, & games to reinforce learning
Another Look Videos Visual Learning Animations Plus Parent Topic Letters- Information about upcoming lessons and tips for helping your child
8
10/26/2015
Technology Features Online Textbook Using an Internet Browser: pearsonrealize.com Using an iPad: Pearson eText for Schools app
Video Tutorials Bounce Page App Virtual Manipulatives Individualized Assignments as needed
How to Login to Online Tools Using a Browser: Go to pearsonrealize.com Sign in and enter your child’s username & password
Using the App: Go to the app store and download the Pearson eText for School app Sign in and enter your child’s username and password **The Username and Password are the same for both the app and the website.**
9
10/26/2015
BouncePages App Visual Learning and Animation and Another Look Videos.
Available for free through the Apple app store or on Android platforms.
Common Concerns Why the change? It’s time to confront the reality we face. Our children are growing up in a competitive, global environment. They are preparing for careers that will evolve with society. It’s time to embrace a different strategy and accept the new normal.
Are we forgetting the whole child? NO! Educational standards, standardized testing, and curricular shifts are not meant to apply pressure. They are not MORE, they are the new way of doing business.
10
10/26/2015
Common Concerns What can you do at home as a parent? Are you frustrated? Yes, I hear you. Homework is a challenging time in many households. Don’t let your child sense your frustration and do not speak negatively about a program or assignment.
Can I show them how I was taught to solve problems? YES! There is nothing wrong with “old” math. It still works. What it lacks is the depth of knowledge and metacognitive strategies we know our children need. So, take it a step further.
Common Concerns What are metacognitive strategies? Thinking about thinking. Does your child know the answer to the extension question on the homework page but can’t explain how he figured it in words? Probably! That’s one of the major shifts that needs to be addressed. Thinking about thinking helps children become strategic thinkers. Strategic thinkers retain information and then apply it to other situations both in school in real life. Kids who think about their thinking become more inquisitive and seek out knowledge.
11
10/26/2015
Common Concerns So, how do you get the homework done with both you and your child feeling successful? Read through the assignment first, look through all the questions, so that you can understand your starting and end points. Utilize the online tools the school has provided. Take it slow. If you are not sure how to answer a question, look back at an example provided.
This is new. When things are new, there is an adjustment period. Be patient and supportive.
Q&A Mr. Grube, Mrs. Bammer, Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Billig and Mr. Winston will be available in the Media Center for any general questions you may have after the teacher presentations.
12
10/26/2015
Teacher Demonstrations Kindergarten Parents: Ms. Laura Frederiks in Room 17. 1st Grade Parents: Mrs. Stephanie Amadeo and Mrs. Jackie Deady in Room 6.
2nd Grade Parents: Mrs. Cherie Monteleone and Ms. Cassandra Cotsopoulous in Room 15
3rd Grade Parents: Mrs. Katelyn Williams and Mr. Chris Bambach in Room 105
4th & 5th Grade Parents: Mrs. Sue Panek and Mrs. Danielle Koldyk in the Media Center.
Technology Table: Hallway outside of the Computer Lab.
13
