P-12 Mathematics Update Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the Common Core State Standards?
The CCSSM outlines a set of carefully sequenced and grade level appropriate topics that provide a coherent learning progression from Kindergarten all the way through High School. While the CCSSM does include content expected to be learned from grade-level to grade-level, it also provides clarity on what students should be producing in their respective grade-levels to ensure that they are ready to meet the challenges in the current school year and in future grades as they progress.
Why focus professional learning on the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics?
The implementation of rigorous standards-based curriculum provide teachers, parents, and students with a set of clear routines and resources to ensure that all students have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college, career, and life upon graduation from high school. These standards are aligned to the expectations of colleges, workforce training programs, and employers regardless of their school.
How will the development of a P-12 mathematics vision benefit students?
As the old proverb goes: ‘A vision without a plan is just a dream. A plan without a vision is just drudgery. But a vision with a plan can change the world.’
Imagine a classroom, a school, or a school district where all students have access to high-quality, engaging mathematics instruction. There are ambitious expectations for all, with accommodation for those who need it. Knowledgeable teachers have adequate resources to support their work and are continually growing as professionals. The curriculum is mathematically rich, offering students opportunities to learn important mathematical concepts and procedures with understanding. Technology is an essential component of the environment. Students confidently engage in complex mathematical tasks chosen carefully by teachers. They draw on knowledge from a wide variety of mathematical topics, sometimes approaching the same problem from different mathematical perspectives or representing the mathematics in different ways until they find methods that enable them to make progress. Teachers help students make, refine, and explore conjectures based on evidence and use a variety of reasoning and proof techniques to confirm or disprove those conjectures. Students are flexible and resourceful problem solvers. Alone or in groups and with access to technology, they work productively and reflectively, with the skilled guidance of their teachers. Orally and in writing, students communicate their ideas and results effectively. Guided by a growth mindset, they value mathematics and engage actively in learning it.
This is a highly ambitious goal and achieving this goal starts with building a collective vision for mathematics across all our classrooms, schools, and grade levels (P-12). Our students deserve and need the best mathematics education possible, one that enables them to fulfill personal ambitions and career goals in an ever-changing world.
Why is Bellevue doing an adoption now?
As a result of the professional learning and a review of our current resources, we do not have the right materials in the hands of our educators, and this does not support our students in reaching all the standards in the common core.
What is the connection between curricular materials and student’s academic achievement?
Research strongly suggests that the teacher is the single greatest factor in determining student outcomes. Additionally, research suggests that when districts ensure teachers understand and are comfortable with new instructional materials during implementation, the materials have the potential to improve teachers’ pedagogical skills and content knowledge. Adopting a high-quality curriculum has the potential to lessen the time that teachers feel they need to spend searching for or developing their own supplementary materials. Teachers in the United States spend on average, 12 hours per week searching for or creating their own materials. This additional time back to teachers provides them more time to focus on effective implementation of resources rather than on the resource itself.
How would Bellevue School District engage different stakeholders in an adoption process?
It is critical with any core curriculum adoption, that Bellevue School District works to include as many students, educators, community members and partners in the process to help ensure that the best resources are put in front of students. Rest assured, we strive to include as many different and diverse voices as possible.
How will educators and community members be able to stay updated on the work being conducted in P-12 Mathematics?
Several webpages pertaining to P-12 Mathematics have been created and added to Bellevue’s district website. Content will be updated as new information is available. Please follow the following links to learn more:
What process was used to narrow the selection of curricular resources?
To modernize and enhance a P-12 system an organization needs resources that align to the standards, as well as offer the types of pedagogy that are needed for student’s higher education and career aspirations. EdReports provides an independent review of curricular alignment to the standards. Independent nonprofits, such as EdReports, have invested a great deal of time and money to evaluate available materials and publish resource reviews. Bellevue School District consultant partners including Achievement Network and Dr. Phil Daro will assist us in building our P-12 Mathematics Vision. This shared vision will drive further narrowing of curricular resources based on the types of pedagogy that align to our vision.