Balancing the Equation: A Guide to School Mathematics for Educators and Parents (Contexts for Effective Student Learning in the Common Core)

by Matthew R. Larson, Timothy D. Kanold

Overview

Copublished with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this book focuses on individuals involved in K–12 mathematics education who seek to help children achieve success. The authors tackle popular misconceptions and misguided discourse about mathematics education and draw on peer-reviewed research about instruction that can significantly improve students’ conceptual understanding.

 

Benefits

 

• Explore reasons why expectations for mathematics teaching and learning must be raised.
• Study the history of the progression, changes, and disputes in K–12 mathematics education.
• Discover insights about mathematics education in an era of mathematics reform.

• Define mathematical literacy and what elements are part of effective mathematics instruction.

• Learn the steps that must be taken to support the teaching and learning of mathematics so all students can be college and career ready.

 

Contents

 

Introduction

1. Why Mathematics Education Needs to Improve
2. A Brief History of Mathematics Education: Lessons to Learn
3. The Equilibrium Position and Effective Mathematics Instruction
4. How to Help Your Child Learn Mathematics
5. Conclusion and Action Steps for Educators and Parents

Epilogue: Conclusion and Action Steps for Educators and Parents

Appendix: Additional Resources for Parents

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781936763696
Publisher:	Solution Tree Press
Publication date:	04/18/2016
Series:	Teaching in Focus
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	136
File size:	1 MB

Table of Contents

About the Authors vii

Introduction 1

The Purpose of this Book 2

An Overview of the Book 5

Part I

Chapter 1 Why Mathematics Education Needs to Improve 9

The Era of Standards-Based Reform 9

The Proficiency Bar: Ending Disparity 18

Low State Testing Expectations: A Critical Flaw 20

The New Normal: We Need to Expect More 21

Questions for Reflection 25

Chapter 2 A Brief History of Mathematics Education 27

Mathematics Education in Early America: The Debate Emerges 30

First Half of the 20th Century: The Cycle Repeats 33

New Math: The 1950s and 1960s 34

Backlash to New Math: The 1970s 35

Back to the Basics: The 1970s and 1980s 36

Origin of Standards-Based Mathematics Education Reform: The 1980s 36

Backlash to the Standards: The 1990s and 2000s 38

Lessons to Leorn 41

Questions for Reflection 42

Chapter 3 The Common Core Mathematics Debate 43

Support for the CCSS for Mathematics 44

Objections to the CCSS for Mathematics 45

What Few Seem to Oppose: Good Standards 54

Questions for Reflection 57

Part II

Chapter 4 The Equilibrium Position and Effective Mathematics Instruction 61

Mathematical Literacy and the Equilibrium Position 62

Effective Mathematics Teaching and Learning 64

Questions for Reflection 86

Chapter 5 How to Help Your Child Learn Mathematics 87

How Will Mathematics Look in My Child's Classroom? 88

How Can I Help My Child With Mathematics Practice at Home? PreK-5 91

How Can I Help My Child With Mathematics Practice at Home? Middle School 93

How Can I Help My Child With Mathematics Practice at Home? High School 95

Questions for Reflection 98

Epilogue: Conclusion and Action Steps for Educators and Parents 99

Disagreement on Mathematics Learning Goals 100

Cultural Nature of Mathematics Teaching 101

Action Steps 103

Appendix: Additional Resources for Parents 105

References and Resources 109

Index 121