GRADE BAND: 6/7 Domain: The Number System

Why this domain is a priority for professional development  This domain in grades 6 and 7 is the capstone of number in the elementary grades – culminates with students understanding the rational number system  It grounds work in Algebra  It grounds work in other number systems (e.g., irrational number system)  Basis for life skills

Clusters or Standards in this Domain on which PD Should Focus (6) Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions. (6) Apply and extend previous understandings of numbers to the system of rational numbers. (7) Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers (includes specific attention to horizontal and vertical numbers lines)

Where should we start with PD for math teachers in Grades 6 and 7?  Precondition for grades 6/7 Number System Standards: Deep understanding of operations with multi-digit whole numbers (addition/subtraction/multiplication/division).  Supports teachers to develop a similar deep understanding of operations with decimals, fractions, and positive/negative numbers.  Important to see similarities across different “kinds” of rational numbers.

Existing resources that support these domains and standards Among others:  Connected Mathematics Units (Bits & Pieces 1, 2, and 3)  COMET casebooks on Rational Number  NCTM resources/on-line and print/Essential Understandings books/Curriculum Focal Points books  Fraction guide from What Works Clearinghouse  Materials from Marge Petit How do we suggest coherence in PD in this domain?

Domains and standards that are in need of new resources