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Do The Math and
the Common Core State Standards
Download the Correlation
Do The Math targets the Core within the Core—the standards within the Common Core State Standards that focus on the most critical foundations for algebra: fluency with whole numbers and fractions. By focusing on these key skills and concepts, Do The Math follows the recommendation of the Common Core State Standards for focused and coherent instruction that provides more time for students to reason with, reflect upon, and practice mathematics.
Key Points of the
Common Core State Standards
How Do The Math
Supports the Standards
Develop a Solid Foundation in Whole Numbers and Fractions
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) provide students with a solid foundation in whole number operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and fractions. Having built a strong foundation in K-5, students can then do hands-on learning in higher-level topics and will be well prepared for algebra in Grade 8.
Rather than re-teaching grade level material, Do The Math instead focuses on foundational topics crucial for building understanding and fluency with whole numbers and fractions. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) agrees that the content for intervention should "include foundational concepts and skills introduced earlier in the student's career." They have identified that whole number and fraction foundations will accelerate learning for intervention students and successfully prepare them for algebra and other higher branches of math.
Focus on the Core Foundations for Algebra Readiness
To accelerate learning, it is not necessary to reteach every missed skill and concept. Do The Math focuses on fluency with whole numbers and fractions, the core foundations for algebra.
Addition & Subtraction
- Supports students in operating with larger numbers by emphasizing place value
- Teaches students to use a visual model and computational tool called the open number line to record addition and subtraction problems while keeping the focus on place value
- Shows students how to compose and decompose numbers
- Reinforces addition and subtraction as inverse operations
Multiplication
- Provides visual and contextual models to help students understand the meaning of multiplication
- Uses array models to represent facts
- Helps students understand the patterns for multiplying by 10 and multiples of 10
Division
- Builds on the idea that division
is the inverse of multiplication
- Includes division models to help students understand the meaning of division
- Emphasizes dividing by 10 and multiples of 10
Fractions
- Builds on the ideas of whole
numbers as they apply to fractions
- Uses concrete materials to give students visual models
- Develops strategies for comparing, adding, and subtracting fractions
Focus on Number Core
The CCSS emphasize that early elementary work should focus on learning how numbers correspond to quantities and learning how to put numbers together and take them apart (the beginnings of addition and subtraction).
Addition and Subtraction Modules Focus on the Big Ideas in Number
- The Do The Math Number Core module develops students' mental representations of quantity using the benchmark numbers of 5 and 10.
- Do The Math strategies connect back to the big idea that numbers can be composed and decomposed.
- Strategies help students develop mental representations of quantity.
Key Points of the
Common Core State Standards
How Do The Math
Supports the Standards
Builds on Student Knowledge
The Common Core State Standards provide detailed guidance for teachers on how to navigate their way through more complex topics by maintaining a continuous and coherent progression from grade to grade.
Intentionally Scaffolded Lessons Reveal the Coherence of Mathematics
- Lessons are carefully paced and scaffolded so that students continually build upon their knowledge.
- The program focuses on the connectedness of math and provides ample time for students to cement their understanding.
- The program emphasizes that there is a structure and coherence to mathematics, which helps students apply their understanding to new topics and allows students to successfully transition from elementary content to middle school, high school, and beyond.
Organized Around Big Ideas That Can Be Applied at All Levels
The strategies in the program connect back to two organizing principles:
- Ten is an organizer (1 for fractions).
- Numbers can be composed and decomposed.
By continually revisiting and extending these principles, students build their number sense
and can apply the big ideas as they tackle complex topics in higher grades.
Key Points of the
Common Core State Standards
How Do The Math
Supports the Standards
Emphasis on Conceptual Understanding
The CCSS stress not only procedural skill but also conceptual understanding, to make sure students are learning and absorbing the critical information they need to succeed at higher levels.
Strategies Build Mental Representations
Do The Math builds the mental representations of numbers and operations that are often missing for students who struggle with mathematics. Visual models, along with connections to logical reasoning, provide meaning that promotes long-term understanding and transfer of learning.
Lessons Provide Multiple Strategies
Lessons engage students with each concept and skill in multiple ways—concrete
experiences, strategic games, and contexts—deepening conceptual understanding for all learners.
Built on Best Practices
Built on research-based intervention practices such as scaffolded content, explicit instruction, and the gradual release model, Do The Math makes learning accessible for all students.
Key Points of the
Common Core State Standards
How Do The Math
Supports the Standards
Practice Standards Describe How to Develop Students' Ability to Solve Problems and Think Mathematically
The Standards for Mathematical Practice describe the important proficiencies students need in order to be successful in higher-level and real-world mathematics:
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively
- Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
- Model with mathematics
- Use appropriate tools strategically
- Attend to precision
- Look for and make use of structure
- Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning
Teachers Model Best Practices and Provide Opportunities for Students to Reason, Discuss, and Develop a Deep Understanding of Key Concepts
- Direct instruction provides modeling and guidance for teachers learning how to use and develop the Practice Standards.
- Opportunities for “think, pair, share" develop students' ability to clearly express their ideas and act as a platform for reasoning and mathematical discussion.
- Scaffolded vocabulary helps students develop the language necessary for effective communication in math.
- Do The Math provides students with a deep understanding of the structure of mathematics so that they can apply their knowledge of key concepts to more complex ideas.
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