Essential Questions for Middle Grade Math
Middle Grade Math Playbook: Chapter 2
Overview
Middle grade math is a critical milestone on the path to lifelong success. Students who build strong math skills by eighth grade are more likely to access advanced coursework, pursue college and career opportunities and increase their lifetime earnings. Communities can change this trajectory through high-quality math instruction, expanded access to advanced coursework, well-trained teachers and coordinated support across schools, families and neighborhoods.
This is part 2 of StriveTogether’s Cradle-to-Career Outcomes Playbook: Middle Grade Math. The playbook synthesizes research and practical guidance communities can use to improve middle grade math.
Middle Grade Math Progress
Middle grade math success is defined by ensuring students are prepared and on a path for advanced high school mathematics, including an introduction to calculus by senior y
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1. Are young learners demonstrating academic progress to be considered on track for math proficiency by eighth grade?
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2. Are young learners confident about their ability to do math?
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3. Are young learners taking rigorous math courses and on track to complete Algebra I by ninth grade?
Leadership for Mathematics
Local Education Agencies (LEAs) need leaders with a clear vision for what excellent math instruction looks like in every classroom and a clear approach for how districts s
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4. Does the LEA have a clear vision and approach for ensuring excellent math instruction in every classroom?
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5. Has the LEA adopted rigorous grade-level standards and coherent, culturally relevant curricular materials aligned to the vision?
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6. Does the LEA use quality data and assessment resources consistently to drive instructional decision making for all students?
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7. Does the LEA ensure equitable access to an advanced mathematics pathway in middle grades and STEM experiences?
Teaching and Learning
Schools with well-trained, representative teachers who receive content-specific support can effectively facilitate excellent math instruction and build strong math identities f
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8. Does each school have a well-trained, vertically-aligned math team to ensure cohesive, high-quality math instruction across the middle grades?
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9. Are teachers and schools making significant contributions to academic math growth for students?
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10. Do students have effective, representative math teachers and leaders?
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11. Do students have access to affirming, high-quality instructional materials for math in middle grades?
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12. Do students attend schools in systems with adequate funding to support curriculum and professional learning needed to implement
math instruction? -
13. Do students have access to teachers trained, coached and supported to teach mathematics effectively?
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14. Are students who are behind grade level identified early and provided high-quality, aligned targeted supports?
Childhood Experiences and Neighborhood Conditions.
Children who grow up in resource-rich neighborhoods with opportunities to play with math for fun experience healthy development and a positive assoc
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15. Do families live in well-resourced neighborhoods that enable students to succeed academically?
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16. Do families with children have access to public support?
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17. Do students have access to STEM and math enrichment opportunities to prevent learning loss and to connect to potential STEM careers?
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18. Do students have access to STEM and math enrichment opportunities to prevent learning loss and to connect to potential STEM careers?
Positive School Environment.
Positive school environments foster safety, inclusivity and holistic child development. In math, schools can intentionally cultivate a strong math identity by helping stu
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19. Do young learners attend schools with safe, inclusive and supportive environments?
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20. Do young learners attend schools that support their social, emotional and physical development and well-being?
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21. Do young learners attend schools that support their social, emotional and physical development and well-being?
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22. Are there young learners who disproportionately experience exclusionary discipline?
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23. Are young learners demonstrating positive behavior?
Middle Grade Math Playbook
Download the playbook