Update

We have finished our first unit of study this year and will have a formal assessment tomorrow.  The big push over the last couple of weeks was with increasing efficiency in division.  Students continued their study of menu division while dealing with larger numbers.  Students also made sense of remainders in terms of the context of the problem.  I will continue to send home division and multiplication problems as homework and practice.  Students can use calculators to check their work but I will be looking to see if they showed their thinking throughout their assignment.  We have not taught students how to do the traditional algorithm for division (the way many adults learned to do division).  I encourage you to ask your student to explain how they have learned to solve multi-digit division problems.

I have also introduced a very important component of our math program here at CBMS, self-reflection.  Research shows that reflection increases student learning and engagement.  Students began formally reflecting and self-assessing their work today.  We will be using our proficiencies based on what the math department calls Habits of Learning.  These important "habits" are problem solving, advocacy, self-control, and communication.  The explanation of the proficiencies based on self-control and problem solving can be viewed below.  You will see this proficiencies along with the math content standards on student report cards.

Habits of Learning: Self Discipline/Self Control

4	3	2	1
Does not distract self or others and you are focused and on task.  Did not need a reminder.  You use all of class to make progress toward the goal.	Does not distract self or others and you are focused and on task.  Did not need a reminder.  You use most of class to make progress toward the goal.	May distract others.  You are on task and focused for most of class, but need at least one reminder.  You used most of class to make progress toward the goal.	You were distracted or distracted others during class.  You needed multiple reminders.  You use very little class time to make progress toward the goal.

Habits of Learning: Problem Solving

4	3	2	1
Is a 3 and also does the following:  Looks for various approaches to problems solving.  Looks to solve problems in multiple ways.  Tries to find most efficient solution.	Initiates a problem solving task independently.  Considers what the problem is asking, creates a plan, and identifies a strategy  OR develops questions to move forward.  Has perseverance when challenged.	May have difficulty initiating a problem solving task independently. Has difficulty generating questions he/she may have.  May not persevere when met with a challenge.	Does not try to initiate a problem solving task independently.  Does not generate any questions about the problem.

Lastly, please continue to check Schoology for missing work.  Due to the fact that most math assignments are submitted using pencil and paper you will have to look at your student's grades.  If you see any scores of 1, your student has not completed the assignment.  They can make up work with me.  Please encourage them to do so!