Luther Conant School Where the Whole Child is the Whole Idea

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Overview: Conant's Mathematics Program

The goal of teaching mathematics is to help all students develop mathematical power.
—National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Scope and Sequence

Grade Level Emphasis

Summer Math Tune-ups

In September of 2005, Conant introduced a new curriculum resource for mathematics instruction in kindergarten through grade 6.

Scott Foresman—Addison Wesley Mathematics, a scientifically research-based program, is designed to be accessible to a diverse population of children and to make math easier to learn. The program enables students to build a firm foundation in mathematical skills through the use of experimentation with concrete objects and pictures before algorithms are introduced, and it has many unique features that help ensure math success. Unique aspects of the program are the following:

Sensitivity to ages and stages of learning

Connections to the student's world and interests

Meaningful learning over time

Problem solving and mathematical reasoning

Customized instructional support

Embedded assessment opportunities

From kindergarten through grade six, the program offers a systematic, sequential development of the basic concepts, operations, and facts. Students are encouraged to apply reading and writing strategies they know to math and are shown how to use these strategies to help them become more resourceful and successful problem solvers. The problem-solving lessons do more than teach strategies. They offer explicit instruction in "how" and "when" to use specific reading strategies, so students become more adept at reading word problems for understanding and organizing their thinking. By offering frequent writing in math opportunities, as well as a unique series of lessons on writing to compare, explain, and describe, students are taught the techniques for writing clear and accurate answers.

Alternative strategies are valued, multiple strategies are encouraged, and communication about mathematics orally, in writing, and by using pictures, diagrams, and models is central. Differentiated instruction options are available for every lesson; therefore, all learners can be reached and instruction can be geared to their abilities. Step-by-step instruction on every page builds students' understanding of key math concepts and, for those skills that are more challenging, specially focused lessons provide students with the extra time and additional practice they need to learn. For the more able math students, enrichment activities are available.

For every lesson, section, and chapter various types of assessments are provided to assist teachers in monitoring student understanding. Technology is an integral part of the program, is integrated throughout the curriculum, and provides a visual approach to math. Also, the computer-based math technology creates a dynamic link between home and school and enables teachers to customize tests and keep track of student progress.

In addition to learning basic mathematical concepts, Conant's mathematics curriculum helps prepare students for the future by engaging them in meaningful reasoning and problem-solving activities that will be useful in everyday life. Rich, real-world applications are offered, and the Scott Foresman program is the only math program that features a partnership with the Discovery Channel School and the world-famous Dorling Kindersley Literature Library.

Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley Mathematics addresses both the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards and the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework. By adhering to these standards and frameworks, we feel reassured that our students will be taught the mathematics content that all children need to know and be able to do.

Scope and Sequence