Review Fractions Standards and Approaches to Deeper Learning

Many states are adopting the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-Math). An overview of the CCSS-Math fractions content by grade and a list of the specific fractions standards for each grade are available.  If your school uses other curriculum standards, please review the fractions goals in those standards. As you review your relevant content standards, some suggested focus questions are:

  • What do students need to understand in the grade that I teach?
  • What do I expect them to understand from prior years (review earlier grade standards) and what will they be expected to learn in years after (review later grade standards)? How might I assess my students’ current level of understanding in relation to the standards?
  • Are there any concepts that I am responsible teaching that I feel under-prepared to address?
  • Do I feel that there should be intermediate concepts addressed in my instruction to help students meet the benchmarks explicitly mentioned in the standards?

CCSS-Math contains Standards for Mathematical Practice as well as for content. It is important to review the Practice Standards and consider how they apply to the teaching and learning of fractions.  

The Illustrative Mathematics Fractions Progression Videos were created by a community of mathematics educators.  The Introduction video provides background about the Common Core mathematics standards for fractions.  The other videos in this series will be used later in this course.

The CCSS-Math Standards reflect a broader approach to education that is increasingly described as deeper learning.  Deeper learning is an umbrella term for the skills and knowledge that students must possess to succeed in 21st century jobs and civic life. At its heart is a set of competencies students must master in order to develop a keen understanding of academic content and apply their knowledge to problems in the classroom and on the job. The deeper learning framework includes the following six competencies that are essential for students to prepare to achieve at high levels:

1. Master core academic content

2. Think critically and solve complex problems

3. Work collaboratively

4. Communicate effectively

5. Learn how to learn

6. Develop academic mindsets

More information about deeper learning is available in text and videos from the Hewlett Foundation.

As you review these resources, please contribute to the discussion about what fractions concepts and skills students find most difficult and your suggestions for teaching that content.  The discussion forum is available on the side bar (1.3 Discussion Forum) or on the header bar (Forum).