Math and Mindset

This year in math we have been using our Pre/Post assessments to communicate with families about the mathematical concepts that students are engaged with.  Some have expressed concern over the scores that they see in the Pre-Assessment and we wanted to be clear about how these assessments help students and teachers to set goals. The pre-test is really just meant to show the teacher, student and parent what the child already knows in a unit we are about to start and helps everyone measure growth. It also help students set goals and be more aware of what they need to focus on during the unit; basically it makes them accountable for their learning. It also helps students focus on growth when they get a post-test back, rather than just a score. For us as teachers, it helps us think about what to slow down on and what to spend less time on when we look at particular trends and it also helps us think about who/what we need to provide support or enrichment on. It really is just an assessment tool given before the unit begins. 

This unit we have been engaged in some rigorous work around fractions. Students have been learning how to identify equivalent fractions and add fractions with common denominators. We have also been looking at models (egg cartons/geoboards) to look at improper fractions and mixed numbers. Most recently we have shifted our thinking from fractions to decimals. Fractions can be very abstract and attaching the concept to the idea of money was very motivating for students and it connected to the learning to something that was more concrete and relevant. 

We will be taking our Post Assessment next week and we hope that you will have the opportunity to look at both the Pre/Post test and use it as a way to celebrate how your student has grown and changed as a mathematician throughout the unit. We do not yet expect students to have mastery of fractions as a concept and this will provide them with the opportunity to set goals around these topics for future learning. 

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Mosaic Vermont History Museum on Thursday, January 21st from 8:00-8:45. Your young biographers have been researching, writing, and putting together a visual presentation and are excited to demonstrate their learning to a broader and very special audience. For those who are unable to attend we will be sure to attach some photos of our "exhibits" in next week's blog post.