I selected the new CCGPS Algebra standards that will be implemented for 9th graders. We are currently planning to develop this course when the DOE Math Curriculum people get their frameworks and pacing in place.
https://www.georgiastandards.org/Standards/Georgia%20Performance%20Standards/GPS-Algebra-Standards.pdf
As I scroll through the standards, I'm shocked at how "low" the expectations are. There isn't much critical thinking. The first says Students will represent and operate with complex numbers. The sub standards say "write", "simplify", "add, subtract, multiply and divide". Simple operations. There are several more standards that involve operations. These are the ones students don't want to do and don't see value!
There is one standard that says students will "investigate" piecewise and step functions. However the sub standards are simple recognition.
I'm disappointed! It appears that teachers will really need to take matters in their own hands in order to make some good applications of this content.
There is a section on Data Analysis and Probability. It certainly lends itself to more real world application and technology assistance. I would likely focus on the linear and quadratic regressions for curve fitting. The students can use spreadsheets like Excel or graphing calculators. The students can collect their own data and then plot the graphs. Then they can determine which curve fits best. With technology, they could certainly explore curves beyond linear and quadratics. Some other curve may fit better. Then students can use these equations and predict results. This is a real world application where students can see the usefulness of the information.
As we get ready to develop this course, I'm glad I've had a chance to take a look at these standards. I'd like for our developers to incorporate more critical thinking and application problems as the students work through the course.
Yeah... I looked over them too and was disappointed to find that they used the word "understand" so much! Wasn't that a basic undergrad education course that taught us that "understand" is not measurable? I will say that the Common Core for all the other subjects seem to be a lot better... Is that because there are just general concepts that they HAVE to know?
ReplyDeleteCan you tell I don't know or like math?? Good thing there are people like you out there!
Huh. You would think that math would be much more the opposite and that the standards would be rich with critical thinking challenges.
ReplyDeleteI think you are on the right path to make an assignment that will involve critical thinking and easily meet the standards...such as they are.
Interesting. I am also disappointed that the standards are lacking for your subject. And you are right, this only means that teachers need to take matters into their own hands and get creative. Unfortunately, not all teachers are as driven as you are...so I wouldn't be surprised if many just teach to what the standard says.
ReplyDeleteTami, I am not so surprised by the fact that there aren't many higher-level standards. Especially for Algebra, we still emphasize operations, which is also an important part of leraning. It is good that there is a section called Data Analysis and Probability. I like the idea that students collect their own data and analyze it applying to what they learned. Yes, this will certainly help students understand its usefulness!
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