Understanding the Common Core Standards for Math

Understanding the Common Core Standards for Math Putting the Common Core State Standards to Work The Common Core State Standards for math established a singular set of standards for kindergarten to 12th grade mathematical education in the United States. Teachers and other educational professionals across the country are working diligently to integrate these standards into their assessments, curriculum, and instruction. The ultimate goal of the standards is to ensure that when students graduate from high school they are prepared to begin a two or four year college program or enter the workforce with sound mathematical skills. The staffs at Huntington Learning Centers across the United States have also been hard at work ensuring that the Common Core State Standards for math are integrated into students' personalized tutoring plans. We understand the importance of linking mathematical tutoring to what is occurring in a student's classroom and adhering to established instructional standards. You can be assured that each tutoring plan is aligned with these educational standards and d esigned to meet your child's specific needs.There are eight standards for mathematical practice that students are expected to understand during their educational career:1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving themStudents are expected to explain the meaning of a mathematical problem and then search for ways it can be solved. The standards encourage students to critically analyze the problem, determine the form and meaning to the solution, and then devise a plan to solve the problem.2. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of othersStudents should use theorems, definitions, and established outcomes when constructing mathematical arguments. Their conclusions should be justified by using logical claims and citing examples.3. Reason abstractly and quantitativelyStudents must make sense of quantities and how they relate to one another when solving mathematical problems. Creating coherent arguments, using appropriate mathematical symbols, and utilizing operation al properties are all essential reasoning skills students should possess.4. Model with mathematicsStudents should understand math's relevance to life outside the classroom. As students get older, and mathematical skills become more complex, this standard evolves. Students need the ability to connect their in-class learning to everyday encounters and situations.5. Attend to precisionStudents are expected to communicate what they have learned effectively and concisely. Mathematical definitions and units of measure should be used to accurately and clearly explain their reasoning and problem solving.6. Use appropriate tools strategicallyThere a variety of mathematical tools available to students including math software, a protractor, a calculator, and paper and pencil. Students must be able to identify which tool will be the most helpful and then use it appropriately.7. Look for and make use of structureStudents should be able to identify patterns and mathematical structures depending o n ability and grade level standards. These mathematical structures include the commutative property of addition (3+4 is the same as 4+3) and the steps necessary to expand an algebraic equation.8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoningAs students progress through mathematical courses and acquire more knowledge and skills, they should be able to identify repeated calculations and when shortcuts can be utilized. They should always be evaluating their reasoning to determine whether they are on the right track or if an error has occurred.The professional tutors at Huntington Learning Center are adept at using these Common Core State Standards for math to create personalized and relevant instruction. As students undertake the learning presented in their math tutoring sessions they will be expected to meet the standards outlined above. These standards were designed to help students achieve at a higher level and to deeply understand mathematical practice. You can be confident that your child will be challenged to not only answer a question correctly but also to understand the reasoning behind the solution and the evidence that proves its accuracy.

How to avoid cold feet The teach abroad edition

How to avoid cold feet The teach abroad edition Feeling anxious about teaching abroad for the first time? I know the feeling, trust me. When I first made the decision to move to Australia to teach and throughout the entire application, interview and offer process, it never occurred to me to feel afraid or nervous. It wasn’t until I broke the news to friends and family, and started making concrete plans for departing, like booking flights and organizing packing, that I started to feel those first stirrings of unease. And as the day of my flight loomed closer and closer, I realized that I had officially developedcold feet. I’d traveled around to different countries before, but this felt like a whole different ball game. It struck me that I would be moving abroad - totally alone - for a significant period of time. To say I started feeling just a little nervous, right before it was time to depart, is a bit of an understatement. It’s important to remember that fear is a completely normal, human reaction to the prospect the great unknown. While it’s impossible to totally shake away all those nerves, here are a few ways to ease yourself into your new journey teaching abroad and start getting excited about your new life adventure again! Do your research The scariest part about moving abroad is facing the unfamiliar. Based on my experienceteaching English abroad on three separate occasions, one thing I’ve realized is that it’s always a good idea to plan ahead as much as possible. Google is probably going to be your main source of information, like it was for me. From informative articles (the Teach Away blog is a great starting point), to blogs written by teachers who also teaching abroad (check our blog roundup of some of our favorite bloggers teaching abroad), there’s no shortage of helpful information on what it’s like living and teaching abroad for the very first time out there. Learn about the culture There will, of course, be some social norms that are completely unfamiliar to you right off the plane. That’s why it’s worth reading up on these in advance. The more you know about your new country when you arrive, the better your transition will be. Finding out more about the customs and cultural norms of your new home will not only make you feel like less of a tourist. It will also help ease your mind and make you feel like a part of the local community. Learning a few common phrases will go a long in making you feel a little more prepared when you first arrive, too! Talk to other teachers who’ve been in your place Maybe a friend of a friend has taught abroad before and can offer some advice to help put your mind at ease. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other teachers on teach abroad forums about anything that’s worrying you, either - they’ll be more than willing to share tons of practical advice to help relieve your worries! Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. Don’t let a fear of failure (or FOMO!) hold you back Moving abroad is a big decision and it’s easy to anticipate all the ways that things can go wrong. Maybe you’re worried about finances, homesickness, missing out on important occasions back home...the list goes on! It’s totally normal to start doubting yourself. But don’t put too much pressure on yourself this early on. There will be hiccups along the way, especially right at the beginning while you’re still finding your feet. Just remember, moving abroad to live is an experience and you need to treat it like one. Be open to change and ready to try new things. Turn that nervous energy into productivity You’re moving to a brand-new country with your job already organized - you won’t need to scrimp and save as much as if you were job hunting on arrival. Exciting times are coming, so it’s time to channel those nerves into planning all the fun things you want to do once you arrive at your new teaching destination. Make a list and start planning out your free time. What are your favorite hobbies? If you’re a yoga buff, a book lover or sports fanatic, for example, start researching yoga classes in the area you’ll be living or look up book clubs or sports teams you could potentially join. Moving abroad is also a great way to shake things up a little. You can even start afresh and pick up a brand-new pastime - try a cooking class or trampoline lesson - even ultimate frisbee! Finally, remember all the reasons why you wanted to start this big new life adventure in the first place. You’ve put in a lot of time and hard work to get this far, so give yourself a pat on the back and allow yourself to feel that sense of excitement and accomplishment all over again. Take it from someone who ended up going abroad to teach on three different occasions - you won’t regret it! What’s your biggest fear about teaching abroad for the first time? Let us know in the comments below!