District Strategic Goal #1 is:
To continuously improve student growth and achievement.
This week, 4th Grade Teacher, Teresa Marquis and building principal, Mandy Ellis, joined 11 other district elementary staff at the Singapore Math Learning Institute in Chicago, Illinois. This institute provided staff the opportunity to learn more about the math materials and philosophy that were recently adopted by the district. After more than a year of studying and researching various math curriculum products, the District Curriculum Council recommended Math in Focus.
Students in Grades K, 1, 2, and 4 will be learning math with the new Math in Focus materials this school year. 3rd and 5th Grades at DGS will implement Math in Focus during the 2013-2014 school year. Math materials have arrived and teachers will receive on-going training through the year. Additionally, parents will receive the opportunity to learn more at different times throughout the school year.
“Singapore math” is the term used to refer to the mathematics curriculum used in Singapore. For over 15 years, Singapore has consistently scored at the top of international mathematics comparison studies. Its unique approach to teaching math — which focuses on problem solving, deep understanding, and model drawing — has helped Singapore students excel, and now U.S. students have the same opportunity to benefit from this proven curriculum!
Math in Focus is the U.S. edition of Singapore’s most widely used program. It teaches the same content as traditional mathematics programs — just in a way that emphasizes understanding and flexible thinking. Math in Focus will teach your children both how and why math works. This deep understanding means that they will be better able to use math in real-life situations. Furthermore, it aligns to the Common Core Standards.
We are excited to be able to engage students in math and increase their ability to problem-solve, collaborate, and learn. Learn more about Math in Focus by clicking here.