Math at MASH

What's Different About Math at MASH?

Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 classes at MASH use the text and teaching approach from CPM, College Preparatory Math.

How is it Different?

Research has shown that math students learn best when engaged by doing math, not just watching a teacher talk about it. So, students will spend much of a CPM math class working through a variety of different problems with a group of two or three other students. Students are expected to dive in and participate with their team - CPM math allows no passive spectators. The group philosophy has many assets: it allows the strengths of a student to shine through; it develops a student's area of weakness; it promotes perseverance; it makes it easier for students to ask questions; it provides a vehicle for a high level of communication. CPM also requires more writing. Therefore, in addition to finding a numeric answer, students often write a short explanation or justification for why that is the answer.

Parents - ask your student how things are going. Ask about his/her team. What kinds of activities are we doing in class? It will rarely be the same from day to day.

What About Homework?

Students can expect between 10 and 20 minutes of homework each time class meets. Each homework assignment contains mainly review problems and will not focus on concepts learned in the lesson of the day. Therefore, even if students did not quite understand the main concepts of the lesson, they should still find that they can complete the homework independently. Mastery over time is the reasoning behind all this review. That is, to solidify a concept takes repeated practice over time.

Homework is an important component of the quarter grade. Late homework is accepted for credit up to one week from due date. After one week no points are given for homework. However, all missed classwork must be made up to pass the quarter.

The other components of the quarter grade are various assessments. Team tests are generally more challenging problems. Each student writes his/her own answers but team members may consult with each other during the test. Each chapter will also have an individual test which must be done alone. In a "Mastery Quiz" students must do everything perfectly to earn points. Each mastery quiz focuses on one topic. When that quiz is passed the student moves on to the next topic. Fridays are assessment days.

Where Can I Go for Help . . . At School?

Your team members:

The CPM program is designed for students to learn by working with classmates. During most class periods, they will be working through different problems with a group of three or four. The problems are designed to be completed together, with discussion, arguments, confusion, and hopefully resolution. It is important to recognize that a certain amount of confusion and frustration is a natural part of the learning process. We work hard to persevere and reach a satisfying resolution.

Your teacher:

For part of the class period teachers still teach in the manner in which you have familiarity (direct instruction). For other parts of the period the teachers are there to guide you through new material. Teachers guide by asking probing questions and giving hints. In fact, lectures (formalization of the lesson) will take place after students work through the lesson. The teachers will also be available for help before and after school.

Where Can I Go for Help . . . At Home?

The Parent Guide:

CPM has published comprehensive Parent Guides for most of their texts. These are available for purchase or you can download the entire book (or just a chapter) for free. The guides contain explanations of the concepts and objectives from each unit, with discussion and answers to key questions. The link for CPM's Parent Guides with summaries and sample problems from each unit is www.cpm.org/parents/resources.htm.

Skill Builders:

CPM's website also provides a section called Skill Builders - a series of problems (with answers provided) more narrowly focused on different skills or topics that your student might need to review and polish. The link for CPM's Skill Builders for extra help with pesky topics is www.cpm.org/parents/skillBuilders.htm.

Homework help:

CPM provides free access to homework answers at www.hotmath.com. Hotmath is a website for finding answers to homework problems from many popular math texts. The answers are provided in a step by step fashion with helpful hints and comments along the way. It would be slower to complete all of your homework this way, but the site is available as a check for you if you are really stuck or to see if you arrived at the correct answer.

For More Information:

Email or call your teacher with comments or questions: Debi Dennis - 829-9644 or debid@mcpasd.k12.wi.us.

To read more about what is expected of today's math students, check out the Wisconsin Standards for Mathematics at www.dpi.state.wi.us/standards/matintro.html.