Ready for Algebra: Math at DMPS
MATH IS ABOUT UNDERSTANDING
It is said that mathematics is not only about numbers and equations, it is about understanding.
No matter what a student may pursue in life after school, a good math education serves them well. Whether it is put to use in the growing number of scientific, technical and skilled trades careers or simply managing one’s personal finances, what is taught and learned today provides benefits for many years to come.
That is why Des Moines Public Schools is adopting Illustrative Mathematics (IM) for middle school, a problem-based core curriculum rooted in content and practice standards to foster learning and achievement for all. This initiative supports the School Board’s SMART Goals (see below). Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language … all experiences and skills to support them now and in the years ahead.
This web site is to provide information for parents and others interested in math education at DMPS and the work underway to meet the School Board’s SMART Goals. The sections below provide a summary of key components with links for additional information.
REACHING SCHOOL BOARD SMART GOALS
Des Moines Public Schools expects every student to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. However, the opportunity gaps, which often result in achievement gaps, for several student populations continue to persist. During the 2018-19 school year, the School Board began a process, working with the community, to develop a series of SMART Goals: specific, measurable, time-targeted goals around three priority areas.
One of those priorities was math, specifically Algebra and by August 2023 doubling the percentage of black male students with a “B” or higher in the course by the end of 9th grade.
The Illustrative Mathematic curriculum benefits all students, including those who are a focus of the Board’s SMART Goals in order to close both the opportunity gap and the achievement gap.
Click here for more information on the School Board’s SMART Goals.
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH OVERVIEW
We’d like to introduce you to the Illustrative Mathematics (IM) curriculum, being implemented in all grade 6-8 DMPS math classrooms. This problem-based curriculum makes rigorous middle school mathematics accessible to all learners.
In a problem-based curriculum, students spend most of their time in class working on carefully crafted and sequenced problems. Teachers help students understand the problems, ask questions to push their thinking, and orchestrate discussions to be sure that the mathematical takeaways are clear. Learners gain a rich and lasting understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures and experience applying this knowledge to new situations.
Students frequently collaborate with their classmates—they talk about math, listen to each other’s ideas, justify their thinking, and critique the reasoning of others. They gain experience communicating their ideas both verbally and in writing, developing skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
SECONDARY MATH PATHWAYS AT DMPS
Mathematics is a tool we use to understand and interpret our world. In our increasingly technological economy, those who know how to apply mathematics have significantly enhanced opportunities in continuing education and later in life. The key to opening the door to these opportunities is thorough understanding of important mathematical concepts and procedures.
“Learning in mathematics …requires that all students, including those most accomplished in mathematics, rise to the challenge by spending the time to learn each topic with diligence and dedication.” (Wu, 2012)
Middle school students will be enrolled in their grade-level math course with embedded extensions for students who demonstrate readiness for advanced work. This provides the opportunity for all students to develop deep conceptual understanding of mathematics to be able to accelerate their mathematical pacing in high school if they choose to do so.
EXAMPLES OF HIGH SCHOOL MATH PATHWAYS AT DMPS
The table below shows examples of various pathways students may wish to follow to be best prepared for their post-secondary plans:
|
|
PATHWAY 1 |
PATHWAY 2 |
PATHWAY 3 |
|
YEAR 1 |
Algebra 1 |
Algebra 1 |
Algebra 1 |
|
YEAR 2 |
Geometry |
Geometry |
Tech Math 1 and 2* |
|
YEAR 3 |
Algebra 2 |
Compacted Algebra 2/Pre-Calc** |
Tech Math 1 and 2* |
|
YEAR 4 |
Pre-Calc |
AP Calc AB |
Tech Math 1 and 2* |
* Tech Math 1 and 2 are courses taught concurrently within programs offered at Central Campus that are taken as part of several career and technical education programs. Tech Math 2 is a DMACC Credit bearing course. These courses would not aide in admission to a 4-year university directly after high school.