Assessing Mathematical Standards in Grades K-12

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Recommended: Old traditional methods versus new teaching methods

Introduction

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has developed detailed academic standards to direct learning goals for K-12 students. This paper will address the importance of having standards included in mathematics and how these standards can improve mathematics instruction in the classroom. This paper will also examine traditional mathematics programs versus constructivist-type programs and discuss how they address these standards and address limitations of both types of programs. In addition, this paper will also summarizes the author’s observations of a 8th grade math classroom and discuss the following observed in the classroom: (a) objectives and standards used in the lesson; (b) differentiated instruction and methods used by the teacher during the lesson; (c) the use of technology during the lesson; (d) manipulative objects, supplies and handouts used by the students; (e) identify the types of assessments utilized by the teacher during the lesson; and finally, (f) the author will explain if any changes could be made to the lesson.

Mathematics Standards in the Classroom

According to a report given in 2000 by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM’s ) Principles and Standards for School Mathematics content standards are defined as, “standards that describe knowledge that students are expected to know in specific areas of mathematics, for example algebra and number theory. Process standards refer to the mathematics skills and processes needed to use the content to solve problems in school and real-world settings (n.d. 2001)”. Mathematical standards are important in grades K-12 classrooms, because they give students clear and realistic expectations of what is being taught, and can as a ...

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...National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2011). The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards. Retrieved, April 3, 2011 from http://www.nctm.org/standards/content

n.d. (2001).Standards in Classroom Practice: Research Synthesis. Retrieved April 2, 2011 from http://www.mcrel.org/PDF/Synthesis/5012RR_RSStandardsClassroomPractice.pdf

ReadingtonParents. (2005). Constructivist Versus Traditional Math, Retrieved, April 3, 2011, from http://www.rationalamerican.com

Tienken, Christopher & Wilson, Michael (2001), Using state standards and tests to improve Instruction, Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, Retrieved, April 2, 2011 from http://PAREonline.net/getvn

Ward, C. (2001). Under construction: on becoming a constructivist in view of the standards. Mathematics Teacher, 94(2), 94-6. Retrieved April 2, 2011 from OmniFile Full Text Select database

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