All About Accelerated Math Presented by Kelly Watson

Accelerated Math I.Introduction to Accelerated Math (AM) II.How AM Works III.Overview of AM Reports IV.Individualizing Practice & Instruction V.Managing the AM Classroom

Introduction to AM: What is Accelerated Math? A computerized information system Helps teachers manage students’ math learning: Individualizes math practice & testing Scores work & keeps records Reduces teacher paperwork

Introduction to AM: How does Accelerated Math work? Prints individualized practice assignments & tests for each student Scores student work automatically Prints individual & class reports that help you plan instruction and monitor progress

Introduction to AM: How does Accelerated Math work?

How AM Works: Assigning Practice & Exercises Types of Assignments: Practice Exercise Diagnostic Tests

How AM Works: Assigning Practice & Exercises Practice Assignments: Produced automatically Results from previous practice assignment determine content of next practice assignment May include problems for: New objectives Unsuccessful objectives Review

How AM Works: Assigning Practice & Exercises Exercises: Can print individualized or identical assignments… basically, customizable practice assignments You select students, objectives & the number of problems Use to introduce concepts, reteach & review Exercise problems count toward qualifying for testing on an objective

How AM Works: Assigning Tests Tests: Students are tested only on objectives they succeeded with on practice assignments or exercises Test problems are similar to practice problems Unsuccessful objectives are automatically included on the next test

Overview of AM Reports: What are they? AM generates more than 30 different types of reports Provides up to the minute information to monitor students’ progress, diagnose difficulties & make instructional decisions based on their individual needs Most used reports – TOPS, Status of the Class & Diagnostic Reports

Overview of AM Reports: TOPS Report Automatically prints when any AM assignment is scanned Students see which objectives they understand and which need more work Immediate feedback motivates students Helps you diagnose difficulties

Overview of AM Reports: Status of the Class Report Gives you a daily snapshot of your class Print or view report at the end of the day or before math class Manage students’ work Identify students who aren’t working steadily Decide which student should take tests Identify students who need help Plan instruction

Overview of AM Reports: Diagnostic Report Summarizes progress & alerts you to difficulties Monitors individual students & the whole class Checks each student’s pace & understanding Identifies struggling students Select any time period for report One week - to monitor current work and spot problems Marking period - shows progress towards goals & allows you to assign a grade

Individualizing Practice & Instruction: Appropriate AM libraries Most math classes have students working above, at, & below grade level If all students do the same work: Some are bored because work is too easy Some are discouraged because the work is too hard Most classes will use 2 or more libraries: For example, a 5 th grade class might have students in 4 th, 5 th & 6 th grade libraries If in doubt, place the student in a lower library

Individualizing Practice & Instruction: How to individualize math practice Try to balance instructional time with practice time You teach skills during a lesson – but students can’t master the skill without practice For example…some days may have a longer lesson, while others may be entirely practice Don’t forget about small group instruction & practice Use power lessons – brief, focused lessons Presents a manageable amount of information Reinforced with immediate practice Use to introduce or review concepts & skills, as well as for whole group lessons

Managing the AM Classroom: How to get AM started Getting & staying organized is the key Organization is based on 3 essential elements: Instruction – small group & whole class power lessons Brief & focused – lasting minutes Math practice time – students work problems and scan assignments Students average 30 minutes per day on math practice Intervention – monitoring student learning & helping students who are having difficulty Takes place during small group lessons with students having similar problems

Managing the AM Classroom: Setting up your AM classroom Set up a computer, laser printer & scanner in your classroom or central location Set up your classroom using the Assignment Book Place students in appropriate libraries Assign several objectives to each student Print practice assignments or exercises Plan routines for organizing materials, scanning assignments, taking tests, and getting & giving help Before you begin using AM, teach students the daily routine

Accelerated Math