Kumu 2 Kumu Math SY 2011-12
April 18, 2012 Small Group Work
Group 1
K-4
Group 2
Grades 5-7
Group 3
Grade 8 –
Algebra 1
Group 4
Geometry - Calculus
 Factoring / Distributing
 Canceling Factors
 Problem Solving especially
word problems (Students don’t
know how to break down the
questions to devise a strategy
in solving the problem.
Reading comprehension could be
a factor)
 Basic Arithmetic Skills
(students are too heavily
calculator dependent)
 Making Connections between
rules/algorithms to general
problems
 Concept of Zero (why can’t we
divide by zero?)
 Making the connection between
the graphical representation
to the algebraic symbolization
 Notation Representation
 Mathematical Theory
 Adhere to placement
recommendations by the Math
teachers/department
 Place students into noncollege prep track based on
ability level not behavioral
or poor work habits
 Cap the number of non-college
prep students per section
making it more difficult for
students to drop down a level
and as a result deter the
unnecessary rescheduling.
What
skills are
students
lacking
(in
general)?
 Math Language
(consistent
vocabulary)
 Math is more than
algorithms
(parents
understand?)
 Mathematical
thinking
(applying
concepts)
 Fractions
(concrete to
abstract too
quick?)
Grade 7
 Integers
 Rounding
 Rational Numbers
Grade 5-6
 Basic Facts (1020% need help)
 Geometry?
 Common Math
Vocabulary
 Place Value
Basic Level
Students
 Basic Skillsadding,
subtracting,
multiplying,
dividing
 Integers- negative
numbers- add and
subtract
 Value of numbers
(number sense)
Decimals
Regular students
 Showing workshowing steps
Basic and Regular
Students
 Fractions
 Word Problems
How can we
help
students
to get
better at
these
skills?
Look at
grades
before and
the
 T understand the
broad range of
students and the
needs of them
 Allow S to have
math
conversations
with each other
 Use manipulatives
appropriately:
when, how long,
etc…
 A resource
 Manipulatives
 Math daily
 Practice at home
 Math parent
letter/ workshop
 Technology
 Power Math
(resource/tutoring
)
 Math Class + Math
Lap (More TAP)
 Class size for
Basic (range 9-23)
there’s been an
increase in the
last 15 years…
 Math tutors?
(limited)
 Summer Courses
 ‘Oahu Summer
School
 Non-attendees
current
grades to
help?
teacher per grade
level
 A math “coach”
per division K-3,
4-6, 7-8, 9-12
online course
ALEKS
 Outer-Island online course ALEKS
(w/meetings wit
teacher supervise)
 Unwarranted/misguided
rescheduling seems to occur
more at the 11th/12th grade
level
 Add more TAP to Math
Department to lower
teacher/student ratio
 Incorporate Algebra Skills in
Geometry courses (Reteach
concepts if necessary. E.g.,
distributive property can be
shown as
3(x+y)=(x+y)+(x+y)+(x+y)
because multiplication is
repetitive addition.)
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