Connected Mathematics 
It is my intention that students achieve basic
skills in obtaining information, problem solving, thinking critically, and
communicating effectively in the area of Math. We have begun a new Math Series.
It is published by Prentice Hall. The
series is called Connected Mathematics. It uses a unit based approach to real
life Math investigations. Students investigate math concepts utilizing interactive
problems and motivating, everyday situations. The series of separate units has
won many awards. Here are some of the Highlights:
- Takes an investigative approach to learning
- Provides varied practice opportunities
- Funded and approved by the National Science Foundation
- Rated Exemplary by the U.S. Department of Education
- Rated Number One by Project 2061
What is CMP?
The Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) was funded by the National Science
Foundation between 1991 and 1997 to develop a mathematics curriculum for grades
6, 7, and 8. The result was Connected Mathematics, a complete mathematics curriculum
that helps students develop understanding of important concepts, skills, procedures,
and ways of thinking and reasoning in number, geometry, measurement, algebra,
probability, and statistics.
The overarching goal of Connected Mathematics is to help students and teachers
develop mathematical knowledge, understanding, and skill, as well as awareness
and appreciation of the rich connections among mathematical strands and between
mathematics and other disciplines.
The series is set to one standard: All students should be able to reason and
communicate proficiently in mathematics. They should have knowledge of and skill
in the use of the vocabulary, forms of representation, materials, tools, techniques,
and intellectual methods of the discipline of mathematics. This knowledge should
include the ability to define and solve problems with reason, insight, inventiveness,
and technical proficiency.
Listed here are some key features of Connected Mathematics:
- It is problem-centered. Important mathematical concepts are embedded in
engaging problems. Students develop understanding and skill as they explore
the problems individually, in a group, or with the class.
- It provides skills practice. The in-class problems and homework questions
give students practice with important concepts, skills, and algorithms.
- It is complete. The twenty-four Connected Mathematics units-eight units
for each grade-form a complete middle school curriculum that develops mathematical
skills and conceptual understanding across mathematical strands. In addition,
the program provides a complete assessment package that includes quizzes,
tests, and projects.
- It is for teachers as well as students. The Connected Mathematics materials
were written so teachers can learn from them too. The Teacher's Guides include
extensive notes regarding mathematics, pedagogy, and assessment.
- It is research based. Each Connected Mathematics unit has been field tested,
evaluated, and revised over a three- to four-year period. Approximately 160
teachers and 45,000 students in diverse school settings across the United
States participated in the development of the curriculum.
- It is effective. Research results consistently show that CMP students outperform
other students on tests of problem-solving ability, conceptual understanding,
and proportional reasoning. And CMP students do as well as, or better than,
other students on tests of basic skills.
Also see Math Links
Assessments in Mathematics
^top
Building on knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades, students will
use problem-solving strategies to explore mathematical concepts. Assessments
will include textbook and teacher made tests, quizzes, and projects.
These assessments will be combined with an effort grade to give a more accurate
representation of the math student. Grades are reported quarterly as:
- A+ 97-100
- A 93-96
- A- 90-92
- B+ 87-89
- B 83-86
- B- 80-82
- C+ 77-79
- C 73-76
- C- 70-72
- D+ 67-69
- D 63-66
- D- 60-62
- F Below 60
Copyright © 2009 John Hampshire
|
