K-5 Math in FocusOverview for Parents

September 27, 2011

About Math in FocusCurriculum Revision

• During the 2010-11 school year, a Math Learning Team was established to review our current mathematics curriculum, research best practices in mathematics (including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Focal Points Report, and the National/State Common Core Standards), and make recommendations on revision of our existing program to our Board of Education.

• After reviewing several new programs, and piloting two programs last spring, Math in Focus, the U.S. version of the Singapore math curriculum, was selected because of its engaging and comprehensive math curriculum that directly aligns to the Common Core Standards.

Four Key FeaturesWhat Distinguishes Math in Focus from

Bridges and Trailblazers?

Teaches to mastery and with great depth, which means:   • Math in Focus addresses fewer concepts each year, but concepts

are taught in greater depth until students reach mastery. Instruction is no longer ”a mile wide and an inch deep.”

• Rigor is increased by approximately one grade level when compared to other math programs.

• Both the concept and associated skills are taught long enough and deep enough so students can understand and make mathematical applications.

• Instruction gradually becomes more complex as children become more confident mathematicians. Lessons follow a standard structure.

Both understanding and application of skills are taught…the WHY and the HOW behind the math. 

• Visual models are used to help students focus on “why”. This is an important step in helping students experience mathematics, and become fluent with standard mathematical operations.

Keeps problem-solving at the heart of its program. Students are taught to solve complex problems with visual models.

• Word problems and problem-solving are an integral part of Math in Focus, beginning in Kindergarten. As children progress through school, they are introduced to new visual models to solve word problems. By fifth grade, students use various models to solve complex problems.

Lesson StructureTeach/Learn

Guided Practice

Let’s PracticeIndependent

WorkbookIn class/homework

GamesHands-on

Let’s Explore

Part Part

Whole Number BondsVisual Model Number Bonds

Visual Model•part/part whole •decomposing numbers•conservation of number•relationship between addition & subtraction•commutative property

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