3717 Grandview Drive West
University Place, Washington 98466-2138
(253) 566-5600
Fax (253) 566-5607
Dear Parent/Guardian;
The purpose of this letter is to inform you of some new aspects of the UniversityPlaceSchool District’s fourth through seventh grade math programs, and update you about new graduation and college entrance requirements for the graduating classes of 2013 and beyond.
WashingtonState recently increased graduation requirements in math because today’s post-high school world requires much more mathematical skill than ever before. Starting with the graduating class of 2013 (our current ninth graders), all students are required to earn three credits in math (up from two, one of which will be advanced algebra), as well as passthe state’s mathematics proficiency exams.The Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board hasincreased the mathematics coursework required for college admission, as well.*
In order to thoroughly prepare your student to meet the challenges of these new priorities, the UniversityPlaceSchool District has begun implementing targeted adjustments and revisions to mathematics curriculum and instruction at the K-7 grade levels. The primary focus of these changes at the 4-7 level will be Rational Numbers Project* activities, which are instructional strategies teachers use to teach math. These strategies were developed through 20 years of successful research by the University of Minnesota on how students learn math most effectively. These activitiessupport and strengthen our current district-adopted math curriculum.
What parents will see:
RNP activities encourage the use of hands-on manipulative math modelsto help students understand fractions and other foundational math concepts, and include things such as fraction circles, folding paper, paper strips, and two-sided color chips, and homework will frequently reference these models.
Students will spend moreconcentrated time mastering these concepts before starting calculations and operations, in order to be more successful. They will also be much less likely to resort to memorizing procedures with little or no understanding of deeper foundational math concepts needed for later math success.
While parents may see fewer worksheets involving calculations and operations coming home at first due to this shift in time and focus, please be reassured that these skills are crucial and will be taught and reinforced.
Parents will see less frustration and increased mathematical understanding and success, as your child continues learning math concepts in the higher grades. Research strongly supports that RNP lessons work to provide students with powerful math models for future learning*. Once these models are learned and remembered, students will use them successfully in all future mathematics classes, from pre-algebra to calculus and beyond.
What parents can do to provide support at home:
Become actively involved in your child’s mathematics education by taking an interest in your child’s assignments and homework, asking questions, and reinforcing math learning at home.
Parents can help by asking their children to show not only WHAT they are learning in math, but HOW they are learning, as well. Parents will quickly see how the hands-on manipulative math models work to support mathematics learning. The UPSD math webpage will be available soon, and parents will be able to download copies of many of the manipulatives, as well as games, home activities, and other helpful tools.
Communicate often with your child and his/her teacher about your child’s mathematical progress, and frequently monitor your child’s grades and progress reports.
Frequently reinforce and practice basic math facts with your child. These basic facts are essential at every level.
Discuss with your child the importance of mathematics, and how it relates to all aspects of life – at home, at work, and at play.
Please contact the UPSD Teaching and Learning Department if you would like more information or have further questions about grades 4-7 math instruction. We look forward to partnering with you to improve math achievement for all students.
Sincerely,
Jeff Loupas
Director of Mathematics and Assessment
UniversityPlaceSchool District
253-566-5600
*Links for More Information:
WashingtonStateHigh School Graduation Requirements:
WashingtonStateMinimumCollege Admission Standards:
Information about the Rational Numbers Project: