A Piece of π: Celebrating PUSD Math
March 2016
Middle School Students Love Galileo!
Galileo and the Falling Objects
Truly Engaged in the Story
Dale Seymour Publications
How Do You TenMarks?
Q: How do you use TenMarks in your classroom?
CO: I have been using it since late November - December when we were first trained. I use it to support the current Math 1 standards and to strengthen the concepts that are presented in the MVP materials. I don't use it everyday. The student will do a task and I teach the concept, then I will create an assignment that addresses what was taught. The questions are rigorous but in the end it strengthens their skills
Q: How are students responding to TenMarks?
CO: They really LOVE the Jam Sessions! I do have one student who has always done well with paper and pencil. In TenMarks the questions make him think a little more. He'll miss some of the questions...he won't ask for help. But he does the amplifiers and Do Overs and gets 100%. It's working.
Q: What advice do you have for teachers who might be hesitant to start using TenMarks?
CO: Just start. You gotta just do it! The first time it might not come out good but it gets easier. You give the first assignment and then the second assignment and you get into a rhythm. I use it with my current standards but you can customize it and take out certain types of questions that your kids are not ready for. Start small. Create a five-question assignment to get used to it. And go through the assignment yourself to understand what problems the students might struggle with. Do the assignment as a whole class projected on the board. Once started, one class period is more than enough time for students to complete a ten-question assignment
TenMarks Motivation
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TenMarks is an online math program for students to practice and master math concepts deeply aligned to the Common Core standards. Content ranges from grades 1 through 12, covering concepts up through High School Integrated Math 3/Algebra 2. It can be used as a supplementary tool to reinforce math lessons taught in class or an intervention tool to assist students in filling gaps in their mathematical knowledge . Teachers can assign different problem sets to individual students or entire classes based on students’ skill level. The web-based program is accessible anytime, anywhere from schools and homes.
TenMarks Tip: How to Create Assessments
EADMS Tip: How to Grade Constructed Response Assessments
Enjoy your next Piece of π in April!
This Piece of π was brought to you by the Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Development Department.
Our Purpose
The Pasadena Unified School District’s Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development department is driven by a commitment to prepare our students for college and career opportunities. We support student success by developing and refining curriculum, in conjunction with providing professional growth opportunities to our staff to ensure quality instruction for every child.Email: cipd@pusd.us
Website: tinyurl.com/cipdpusd
Location: 351 S. Hudson Ave #214
Phone: 626-396-3600
Twitter: @cipd