Math Shifts

Math Instructional Shifts

Below is a summary of the key shifts in instruction for the 2011 MA Math Frameworks.

Shift 1: Focus
Focus strongly where the standards focus

The Standards call for a greater focus in mathematics. Rather than racing to cover topics in a mile-wide, inch-deep curriculum, the Standards require us to significantly narrow and deepen the way time and energy is spent in the math classroom. We focus deeply on the major work of each grade so that students can gain strong foundations: solid conceptual understanding, a high degree of procedural skill and fluency, and the ability to apply the math they know to solve problems inside and outside the math classroom.

Shift 2: Coherence
Think across grades, and link to major topics within grades

Thinking across grades: The Standards are designed around coherent progressions from grade to grade. Learning is carefully connected across grades so that students can build new understanding onto foundations built in previous years. Each standard is not a new event, but an extension of previous learning.

Linking to major topics: Instead of allowing additional or supporting topics to detract from the focus of the grade, these concepts serve the grade level focus. For example, instead of data displays as an end in themselves, they are an opportunity to do grade-level word problems

Shift 3: Rigor
Rigor in major topics pursue: conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency and application with equal intensity

Conceptual understanding: The Standards call for conceptual understanding of key concepts, such as place value and ratios. Students must be able to access concepts from a number of perspectives, so that they are able to see math as more than a set of mnemonics or discrete procedures.

Procedural skill and fluency: The Standards call for speed and accuracy in calculations. Students are given opportunities to practice core functions such as single-digit multiplication, so that they have access to more complex concepts and procedures.

Application: The Standards call for students to use math flexibly for applications in problem-solving contexts. In content areas outside of math, particularly science, students are given the opportunity to use math to make meaning of and access content.