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CCSS Toolkit: Mathematics - Shift 4

CCSS Toolkit - Math Teachers: Awareness & Transition
Introduction to the CCSS
Shift 1: Focus
Shift 2: Coherence
Shift 3: Procedural Fluency
Shift 4: Deep Conceptual Understanding
Shift 5: Applications/Modeling
Shift 6: Balanced Emphasis
Implementation
Evaluate & Refine
Resources
Math Toolkit
Toolkit Home

Shift 4: Deep Conceptual Understanding

Deep conceptual understanding of core content at each grade is critical for student success in subsequent years. Students with conceptual understanding know more than isolated facts and methods - they understand why a mathematical idea is important and the contexts which it is useful. Teachers take time to understand the Standards for Mathematical Practice that describe the student expertise needed to develop a deep conceptual understanding of mathematics. (NRC, 2001, p. 118; CCSSM, 2010, p. 4, 6-8)

Awareness & Understanding

Understand the Standards for Mathematical Practice

Take time to understand how the Standards for Mathematical Practices describe student outcomes that deepen mathematical conceptual understanding

Videos

The Importance of Mathematical Practices
Mathematical Practices, Focus, and Coherence in the Classroom
CCSS Mathematics Videos (SEDL)
Each video is an audiovisual resource that focuses on one or more specific standards and usually includes examples/illustrations geared to enhancing understanding. The intent of each content-focused video is to clarify the meaning of the individual standard rather than to be a guide on how to teach each standard, although the examples can be adapted for instructional use.

Tools

Mathematics Module 1 - Sessions 4.1 & 4.2

Watch Math Instruction that Reflects the Practices

Begin observing instruction through the lens of the Mathematical Practices. Focus both on student work and teaching strategies as you observe instruction.

Resources