Key Instruction Shifts of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

AchievetheCore.org published an article entitled Key Instruction Shifts of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics with a focus on K-8 mathematics. The authors first discuss the shift in focus, coherence, and rigor. The document includes key concepts, required fluencies for grades K-6, and delineated content emphasis by cluster for grades K-8.

This is a good resource to consider if you or your organization are working on pacing for K-8 Math. It provides a quick overview for those just becoming familiar with the Common Core State Standards in math as well.

To view the document, click here: http://bit.ly/ZUAQiz

Differentiating Mathematics Instruction So EVERYONE Learns

In a white paper by Jennifer Taylor-Cox, Ph.D., written for McGraw Hill Education, Cox

outlines that teaching to the middle is not effective in assisting students to meet the expectations of the Common Core State Standards. She highlights the need for formative assessments, targeted instruction, and progress monitoring.

Samples of formative assessments as well as questions for progress monitoring are discussed. Some questions Taylor-Cox recommends asking in regard to adjusting instruction are:

• Is the student making progress? How solid is the student’s understanding?
• What does the student need to learn next? Does the student need more work with a specific concept?
• What misconceptions does the student have? Where are the learning gaps?

To read the entire white paper, click here: http://bit.ly/132H9oc