Math Focus Groups
Math Focus Groups began as part of a Oregon Goals 2000 grant. The teaching team considered whether a leveled math program would accelerate student achievement. After careful consideration, a leveled fact program which included grades 1 through 5 was created and later extended through grade 6. During the year 2000-01 kindergarten participated in the program.
The program continues with some modification. Each year we see marked improvement which is reflected in state test scores.
Leveled Placement
Students are given a placement test which includes addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The placement test indicates not only the area needing focus for that student but also the level within that strand.
As students make progress they may challenge the exit test for the level. If successful, the student moves to next level. The teacher may also decide that the student is prepared to move to the next level, after testing the student is placed in the next level of instruction.
Math Focus Groups
Leveled groups change with each year's needs. We also depend on every staff member to be a part of the Math Focus program. The instructional staff may include the principal, library instructional assistant, classroom instructional assistants, resource or music teacher, and parent volunteers.
Math Focus Groups include:
Level A
Addition & Subtraction 1 digit, no regrouping
Level B
Addition & Subtraction 2 - 3 digit, no regrouping ( 1 group)
Level C
Addition and Subtraction 1-3 digit with regrouping ( 3 groups)
Level E
Subtraction 1-3 digits with regrouping ( 1 group)
Level F
Multiplication Facts ( 1 group )
Level G
2-3 Digit Multiplication ( 1 group)
Level H
1 Digit
Division (1 group)
Level I
2-3 Digit Division ( group)
Level J
Pre Algebra (1 group)
Testing & Data
One teacher is in charge of the testing and data. The testing station is supervised by one or two adult testing monitors. Students visit the testing station, take the test and a testing monitor corrects and records the information. The student knows immediately if he/she passed the test. The student relays that information to the instructing teacher. If successful, the student then moves to the next level on the next instructional day.
Program Calendar & Scheduling
The Math Focus program runs for 7-9 weeks during the fall and winter and spring terms. Each year Math Focus is scheduled for one half hour two days a week.
Extended Math Focus Groups
The Extended Math Focus program provides a leveled math opportunity monthly for students to focus on skill development beyond calculations.
Please feel free to email Lea Bates, project coordinator for further information.