National Math Month in April is coming up quickly. Why not try out a math MCU?  The current collection of MCUs contains over 20 in math, spanning the PK-4 through high school.  Ratios, Rates, and Percents, a 6th grade MCU, was given a rating of Exemplar by Achieve, an independent organization dedicated to education reform. Other examples of MCUs — all of which include a curriculum embedded performance assessment, lesson plans, and digital resources — include Math Grade 1 Power of Ten and Math HS Modeling Exponential and Logarithmic Functions.

Here are just a few highlights about the unit Ratios, Rates, and Percents from EQuIP curriculum rating group, an initiative identifying high-quality materials aligned to the CCSS:  “Lessons definitely target grade-level CCSS standards to their full depth.”

“REALLY, REALLY like all of the diagrams…They are edifying for all students, but especially useful for ELLs and students who are visual learners.”

“As one progresses through this suite of lessons, one can clearly identify appropriate levels and types of scaffolding, differentiation, intervention, and support for the broad range of learners…”

“Assessment is a strength of this unit…The unit addresses a balance of assessment types: pre-assessments, formative, summative, and CEPA as well as student reflection in journal writing.”

Other Math MCUs from the current selection:

Math Grade 1 Power of Ten
The focus of this unit is to develop students’ understanding of whole number relationships and a strong foundation for place value. Students will benefit from grouping objects/materials into ones and tens, and connecting their knowledge to standard numerals and symbols. This unit reflects Critical Area 2, developing understanding of whole number relationships and place value, including grouping in tens and ones for grade 1.

Math HS Modeling Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
This unit builds on students’ understanding of exponential functions and inverses to develop logarithmic functions. Students investigate the characteristics of these functions and solve equations that arise from situations that can be modeled by these functions. Students see interdisciplinary connections to science, social studies, and finance.

Visit the ESE website and explore the Model Curriculum Units.  (Note: ST/E (Science, Technology/Engineering) will be released on a rolling basis beginning in April.)