Common Core at Mathnasium

The Common Core, a state-led initiative originated by the National Governors Council, was created through close collaboration with teachers and educators and has been adopted on a voluntary basis by 45 states including New York.

The Standards place strong emphasis on critical thinking and demonstrating knowledge of far fewer skills and concepts than previous Standards. The hope is that students will gain proficient knowledge of these concepts rather than just a basic knowledge of the many topics presented in the past.

In doing so, the Standards are directly addressing the criticism that American curriculum has been “a mile wide and an inch deep” for many, many years.

At Mathnasium, we understand the Common Core. The Common Core attempts to closely integrate number sense and critical thinking skills and, as such, has even more in common with the Mathnasium approach than previous state standards.

The Mathnasium program has always complemented and supplemented existing math programs used in public and private schools. Our support for the Common Core will be no different. While it is not our intention to be strictly “aligned” with the CCSSM (call us for details), our support for those Mathnasium students in Common Core classrooms is unwavering.

The creators of Mathnasium assessments and curriculum materials are acutely aware of the trends in mathematics education while keeping in mind that many trends come and go.

They are excellent at identifying the best methods of teaching math the way that makes sense to each child and creating innovative content that leads each student to true mastery of the concepts and skills necessary for success in the math classroom and in life.

See next week's Jewish Star for a Guide to the Common Care.