ImprovingMathPerformance(PDF).pdfVIP

Improving Math Performance What do you think is the single most important factor in dramatically improving students’ math performance in your school? Themes in curriculum content and standards: y Alignment with state frameworks y Coherent, focused, demanding program y Connections to real world y Year-to-year continuity y Building on prior skills and knowledge y Use of manipulatives for concept development Regardless of their specific mathematics programs, No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools use many similar instructional techniques. All emphasize alignment of the school’s mathematics curriculum with state standards and conduct frequent benchmark assessments to determine student mastery of the standards. All strive to allot sufficient time for math instruction each day to ensure that all students reach high levels of achievement. Assessment is formative and ongoing, and students who experience difficulty mastering math concepts receive immediate intervention and additional instructional time. Many schools use manipulatives to help students understand math concepts. Mastery of computation is balanced with problem solving, applying mathematics, and making real world connections. As in all Blue Ribbon Schools, quality teachers, parent involvement, and a coherent progression from grade to grade are key to student success. School comments about improved student math performance are organized below by topic—curriculum, teaching, student support, and assessment—with illustrations from survey responses. 1 A. Curriculum content and standards Blue Ribbon Schools use coherent, focused, and demanding mathematics curriculum that reflect the logical and sequential nature of mathematics. Students move from mastering basic computational skills and number concepts to more complex ideas and mathematical reasoning, including problem solving. Schools expect students to know math concepts and be able to apply them in a variety of settings. All teaching is aligned with district and