Mathematics: Instructional Shifts
Introducing the Instructional Shifts in Mathematics
For over a decade, research studies conducted on mathematics education in high-performing countries have pointed to the conclusion that the mathematics curriculum in the United States must become substantially more focused and coherent in order to improve mathematics achievement in this country. To deliver on the promise of common standards, the standards must address the problem of a curriculum that is "a mile wide and an inch deep." The DoDEA College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics are a substantial answer to that challenge and aim for clarity and specificity.
Focus
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) have modeled the standards of high-performing countries by focusing on a more narrow set of math concepts and skills to make room for deeper understanding. The potential for the CCSS to improve math education can only be realized if we first make room in the classroom to support student learning.
The Importance of Focus in Mathematics Video
Coherence
Coherence speaks to the idea that math does not consist of a list of isolated topics. The Standards themselves, and therefore any resulting curriculum and instruction, should build on major concepts within a given school year as well as major concepts from previous school years.
The Importance of Coherence in Mathematics Video
Rigor
The Standards do not offer a choice between focus on conceptual understanding or fluency or application. They instead require equal intensity of all three. In practical terms, it is not enough to merely know your multiplication facts in third grade, but students must also understand the concept of multiplication and what it represents and be able to apply that understanding and fluency to solving real-world or unexpected application problems.For purposes of describing the shifts of the standards, rigor does not mean "more difficult." Here rigor is about the depth of what is expected in the standards, and also about what one should expect to see happening in the classroom, in curricular materials, and so on.
The Mathematics Standards: Key Changes and Their Evidence Video
