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Mathematics
at Schechter
The goal of the math
program is to ensure that all students possess a strong mathematics
background and develop the skills they need to succeed in the future.
Students explore concepts using manipulatives, then practice and apply the
skills to reinforce those concepts through problem solving.
 There
are 13 math strands which are the basis of the program: number and number
theory; whole numbers; fractions; decimals; problem solving; reasoning;
geometry; measurement, money and time; probability, statistics and graphing;
ratio, proportion and percent; algebra; patterns, relations and functions;
technology.
The aim of the math program
is to develop students who:
·
Value
mathematics.
·
Reason
mathematically and then memorize.
·
Communicate
mathematically by sharing ideas using
mathematical language.
·
Become
confident in their mathematical abilities.
·
Become
mathematical problem solvers.
·
Build meaning
on a foundation of real-life knowledge and
experience.
·
Learn to link
mathematics with other content areas.
The math program also helps
students to see mathematical interrelationships with technology.
Technology, including manipulatives, calculators, computers, and videos are used
when appropriate to challenge them to concentrate on problem solving and other
mathematical content.
From Strength to
Strength: Award-Winning Math Program Updates Curriculum
Call it the 7-year itch.
Despite sweeping the highest awards in their division in the Cleveland
Teachers of Mathematics’ Regional Math Contest for the 7th consecutive year,
Schechter’s math teachers have revamped the curriculum to make the subject
more dynamic and challenging than ever. The changes particularly affect
students in kindergarten through 6th grade.
The new K-3 program is Houghton Mifflin Math, chosen in part because of its
early introduction of algebraic thinking. Moreover, the teachers report,
the books are large, engaging, and colorful, while daily overheads and games
pose stimulating challenges and boost achievement. Houghton Mifflin Math
also offers remedial and enrichment computer programs.
 In
4th through 6th grades the curriculum is now anchored by Math: Explorations
and Challenges, published by SRA McGraw Hill. According to the faculty,
the program emphasizes “mental math and estimation, as well as the usual
problem-solving and applications.” The teachers note, “An example is
that the 5th grade has been evaluating functions, plotting their points on the
rectangular coordinate system, and then using the graphs to solve problems.”
If you don’t understand what that means, consult with a 5th grader!
Changes
in 7th and 8th grade are not as dramatic, but students are using several
different books, depending on their math levels.
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