Teresa Eppolito
The objective of the Making Connections: Foundations for Algebra courses is to prepare students for the rigor of the Common Core State Standards before testing begins in 2014. The courses use a problem-based approach and are structured around problems and investigations that build conceptual understanding. Lessons are structured for students to collaborate, generalize and communicate their thinking. These practices are advocated by the CCSS Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMP)
Student success will be measured by teacher-made assessments, progress on District Standards Assessments, and CST scores. Success will also be measured by how students are able to successfully progress from grades 6 to 8th, and Algebra.
The program will be implemented as a supplement to the current Board-adopted textbooks in grades 6, 7, and 8th. More specifically, chapters are divided into sections that are organized around core topics. Within each section, lessons include activities, challenging problems, investigations and practice problems.
Our PLC continues to discuss ways of incorporating the Common Core State Standards into our curriculum. We have all taught CPM in the past and feel the methods used in CPM will best prepare our students for the rigor of the CCSS.