Priority Standards, Proficiency Scales, and Zearn…Oh My!
Could you use some support in how to use visual models to teach mathematics in your school?
Let’s face it. As children, many teachers did not experience a curriculum where visual models were emphasized. Instead, while they were students, they relied on memorizing the standard algorithm without ever understanding why it worked. Now, as mathematics standards demand more, we need resources to help all of us (students and their teachers) with the conceptual understanding that strong visual models can provide. Zearn is an open-source (free) curricular option based on EngageNewYork (for Elementary) and Learn-up (for Middle School). Zearn’s robust online component coupled with an outstanding paper-pencil component offers access to engaging digital manipulatives and effective research-based strategies for modeling mathematics.
Are you teaching the most critical content in Mathematics?
If everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority. When we prioritize standards, we must select the standards that:
- connect to other subjects,
- affect readiness for math topics students can expect in future years,
- have real-world relevance
- clearly support the demonstration of proficiency/achievement goals
This is not to say that we drop all supporting standards, but it is a list of standards that we will emphasize, assess, and reassess if necessary.
Do you need a sustainable way to integrate proficiency scales and standards-based grading with a strong curriculum?
The framework suggested in this course provides a sustainable suggestion for locating pre-tests that allow your class to approach the new unit by assessing a Level 2 in the featured Priority Standards. This allows the student to demonstrate either “readiness for the content” or “readiness for pre-requisite skills” (AKA remediation). The lessons for the optional remediation are there if you know where to look. Provided daily paper-pencil exit tickets make it easy to check on progress and identify needs as they emerge. Small group lessons are readily available as well. This course helps teachers access resources for intriguing questions to spark engaged discussions. In-program assessments and premade rubrics allow the teacher to focus time on the students rather than on making up or trying to pair up components from multiple sources to assess mastery of the standards.