Dear Parents,

Welcome to the start of a new school year!  This year, students will be in my student centered classroom studying mathematics from the Connected Mathematics Program (CMP2) materials.  The curriculum is a rigorous problem centered curriculum that is aligned with Oregon grade level standards.  This means that the students will investigate mathematical ideas within the context of realistic problems, as opposed to looking only at numbers and learning algorithms.  Some problems involve real-world applications or unusual situations, while others are purely mathematical.  A problem’s context provides a vehicle for understanding and remembering the mathematical concepts.  I am excited about this curriculum and its potential for helping students develop strong mathematical knowledge and understanding.

In my classroom I believe students are able to explain and show their understanding of the math concepts we are learning. I will encourage and expect students to show how math is making sense to them. Students will make conjectures, justify why their ideas make sense and generalize why their ideas will always work. They will work together constructing meaning of mathematics just as mathematicians would.

I am looking forward to a successful year for all of my students.