The ultimate goal of good math instruction is the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills coupled with the math tools to solve real-world problems. Our math instruction maintains an intense focus on developing a solid understanding of number sense, place value, and strategies for efficient mental math. A consistent use of pictorial bar model drawings provides a unifying system that enables students to think symbolically and to solve real-world math problems. Our chief curriculum, Math in Focus: Singapore Math (MIF) provides us a framework for scope and sequence – in other words, what to teach and in what order. It also provides a wealth of materials and resources to work toward the ultimate goal of building the thinking capacity of students.
As we come to the end of our second year and look forward to our third year of campus-wide implementation of this approach to teaching and learning math, we are continuing to grow and improve, including by offering teachers more professional development training in Singapore Math:
- Last summer, we had eighteen teachers attend Greg Tang’s conference where they learned from national and international instruction/training experts including Yeap Ban Har, one of the most highly regarded and best known math trainers in the world. This summer we will send eight more teachers.
- In addition to off-campus opportunities, we have inserted thematic “Math Moments” into every one of our Friday afternoon faculty meetings where we have discussed the use of manipulatives and the math language used in the new report. As we wrap up this year, we will focus on model drawing across the grades.
- Next year, we’ll continue our “Math Moments” with topics including: groupings and differentiation, lesson framework and planning, assessments, goal setting, and building fact fluency.
- We are also in the process of developing a heightened approach to math coaching through a more structured schedule of observation and increased involvement in math groups across the entire campus.
In addition to professional development, we are also:
- Continuing to examine our math standards (in coordination with state, national, and international standards) and align them with the MIF scope and sequence.
- Improving our system of math grouping, designed to optimize differentiation opportunities for developmental and pacing differences among students.
- Engaging in opportunities to integrate math concepts and skills development into other curricular subject matter in the context of other curricular areas and Immersive project-based learning (I-PBL) units.
- Clarifying what our “meaningful homework” policy means in the context of math practice.
We are excited about the future of math learning at TCS, and with good reason! We are moving further into a method of instruction that is more focused on students doing and thinking. We are continuing to grow as a community of math learners, thinkers, and teachers. We are seeing students beginning to think about numbers and math differently and more positively, and we can’t wait to see what the next few years bring. Let’s all keep looking forward to greater (pun intended) things to come!
