Math Standards in Action

Thursday, August 21, 2014Printer-friendly version

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We’ve all heard about the critical and growing importance of STEM (that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers in our global economy. The Common Core mathematics standards provide the academic foundation so that American students are prepared to succeed and innovate in STEM fields. Here’s what some veteran educators have to say about the new math standards in action:

Common Core: this reform could actually work

By Barry R. Groves, San Jose Mercury News

August 15, 2014

“As a 37-year public school veteran, 22 as a superintendent in Santa Clara County, I have observed many educational reforms over the years with many changes in mathematics pedagogy. Unlike most past reform efforts, I am optimistic that this year will be different with these coherent, focused and rigorous standards and assessments.

“There is agreement that the United States is woefully behind other countries on international mathematics assessments. The California State University system mathematics proficiency rate for incoming freshmen is an anemic 70 percent. A majority of students who enter the community college system require a remedial mathematics course. There is no doubt that California needs to produce more mathematically successful students if it is to remain internationally competitive.

“The Common Core strives to improve college readiness and help close the preparation gap for California's students and ensure a cohesive transition from K-12 to higher education.”

And,

“In a high school district like ours, where 70 percent of our students go to a four-year college, and 20 percent live in poverty, we are optimistic that the Common Core -- coupled with strong teacher development and adequate resources -- will result in all students becoming proficient in these more rigorous standards.”

Dr. Barry R. Groves is superintendent of the Mountain View Los Altos High School District. 

Common Core standards foster ‘number sense’

By Anne Keith, The Montana Standard

June 25, 2014

“Gone are the days of teaching students to simply memorize math facts. Brain research has shown that it’s important that students first develop “number sense,” because after gaining a firm grasp of math concepts (like multiplication), young minds are better prepared to put math facts into long term storage. Also gone are the days when teaching meant showing students a single procedure for solving a math problem.

“Fortunately, today’s teachers have a tool that’s well-equipped to help them teach to the demands of today’s classroom in the form of the Montana Common Core standards. These standards were written to support math instruction that fosters “number sense,” and that encourages critical and independent thinking. How to teach students to meet those standards is a decision left to schools and teachers.”

And,

“…Students were challenged to find multiple ways to solve one problem, to try different methods, to learn from each other’s ideas — and to not give up. Our student mathematicians will learn to translate and apply these approaches to more traditional math problems, and by the time our students begin working on complex math, it will be second nature for them to seek input from their peers, to revise their own thinking before producing a final draft of their solutions, just as they learned to during first grade Number Talks.”

And,

“Montana parents want to know if the changes underway in our classrooms are helping to ensure that their children are gaining the skills they need to succeed. As a longtime advocate for improving math education for every student in our state, I can assure you that these changes will better prepare our students for their years in middle school, high school and beyond.”

Anne Keith has been teaching for 21 years and was named the 2010 Montana Teacher of the Year. She was recently appointed to the Montana College and Career Standards Commission by Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau.

Achieve has developed materials to help states, districts, and others understand the organization and content of the standards and the content and evidence base used to support the standards. Visit www.achieve.org/achieving-common-core.

If you find a news clip supportive of the Common Core, please send it to Chad Colby at ccolby@achieve.org