Behind the Scenes
The approach to teaching children mathematics from the basis of their understanding is the best practice in Madison Metropolitan School District, and is justified by tons of research. We use an approach called "Balanced Math" which balances numerical understanding, algebraic reasoning, fluency maintenance, and problem solving. Geometry, Measurement, and Data are incorporated throughout the year. Our pedagogy is in line with the national Common Core standards, as we aim towards depth.
Common Core in general explained - video link
Common Core math standards explained - video link
If we want to authentically help children in their learning, we, as adults, have a bit of 'unlearning' to do. Rather than just showing them how to do something, we meet them where they are and support them to construct their own understanding.
Balanced Math instruction in MMSD includes the following components:
Common Core in general explained - video link
Common Core math standards explained - video link
If we want to authentically help children in their learning, we, as adults, have a bit of 'unlearning' to do. Rather than just showing them how to do something, we meet them where they are and support them to construct their own understanding.
Balanced Math instruction in MMSD includes the following components:
- Cognitively Guided Instruction - teacher created problems
- Investigations (by Pearson) - selected lessons
- Van de Walle - selected activities
- Algebraic reasoning - inspecting equations
The Power Point presentation below was shown at the Van Hise PTO meeting on October 9, 2012. It walks through how we have gotten to the point that we're at in Math education in MMSD.
math_in_mmsd_fall2012.ppt | |
File Size: | 3618 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
The Four Blocks of Mathematics