Writing in Math

math chalkboard
 One of the major challenges that will face schools as they implement the CCSS will be the new assessments.  These assessments, which promise to be computerized, have one major difference from many of the state assessments that are currently using:  they require students to not only solve problems but to explain the process they went through to do so.  Students will see text boxes where they are expected to write explanations for HOW they solved the math problem.  Simply choosing the right answer will not be enough!
While some states have incorporated this type of constructed response in their assessments, it has not been widespread, probably due to the expense in scoring them.  Now, especially for students who have not experienced this type of assessment, it is going to be necessary for teachers to provide opportunities for students to explain their math solutions.

So how can teachers get students to do this?  First, it’s going to be necessary for teachers to model and think aloud. Teachers need to actually complete constructed responses in front of their students and talk as they’re doing it in order to make this process transparent for their students.  This process does not require a new math program.  It merely requires teachers to model the process, provide time for students to apply the process, and then take time to talk about how the process worked.

Both of the testing companies creating CCSS assessments have published some test prototypes.  We have included links to both of these below.

We recommend that school staffs spend some time during common professional development time to check out these prototypes and practice modeling and thinking aloud. Please remember that Common Core Writing Academy is prepared to work with schools and staffs to provide professional development in all the CCSS areas, including math. 

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