The goal of math instruction is to provide foundational math knowledge for everyday life and to develop a solid platform for higher-order math learning. Skyline Math and Science Academy students will guide students to actively construct their knowledge of mathematical concepts while becoming proficient at performing math.
The math program will utilize Singapore Math Common Core Edition, distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Singapore Math is a research-based curriculum recognized around the world as the standard for how to prepare high-achieving math students. A 2005 American Institute of Research (AIR) comparison found that Singapore’s curriculum builds deep understanding of mathematical concepts. The curriculum encourages the active thinking process, communication of mathematical ideas, and the development of problem-solving skills. It uses an approach to understanding that moves from the concrete to pictorial representation to abstract understanding. The scope and sequence of Singapore Math and its supplemental materials aligns with Minnesota’s state content standards and offers additional content challenge as well. Numerous schools have reported positive math gains with populations of students similar to those whom will be served by Skyline Math and Science Academy.
Math instruction will include:
- Math Skills Development: Lessons and exercises focus on building proficiency with number sense, measurement, geometry, algebraic thinking, operations, data analysis, and computation.
- Problem-Solving and Brief Constructed Responses: These activities help develop analytical and critical thinking skills, with emphasis on mental math and the model drawing approach.
- Games and Manipulatives: Games and manipulatives (e.g. rulers, calculators, counters, and a range of other hands-on-materials) enable teachers to present mathematical concepts to children orally, visually, and kinesthetically.
Math assessment will include:
- Math Skills Development: Lessons and exercises will focus on building proficiency with number sense, measurement, geometry, algebraic thinking, operations, data analysis, and computation.
- Differentiated materials that include tools that help teachers focus the intervention strategies. Textbooks, homework and tests that are integrated.
- Technology Enhanced Curriculum and Assessment Online platforms: gamification to encourage and enhance math engagement and to continually monitor and assess math progress.
- i-Ready diagnostics individualize online instruction: Lessons are engaging and fun and are aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards. i-Ready is proven to predict student performance on standardized testing. Teachers will receive easy-to-read reports for each student and will be able to make curriculum adjustments based on individual student performance.
- IXL online resource for supplemental content and for assessment: Through regular assessment of student progress in IXL, teachers will be able to know students’ strengths and weaknesses, empowering them to take action to help students reach their full potential. Teachers will find exact item types that the students are stuck on and even see how the entire class is progressing toward meeting state standards.