Common Core Math: Skills for life

"Math is everywhere in the world around you" is a foundational principal of the Common Core Mathematics. When you are preparing students for the state tests, remember that the best part of learning is discovery--that surprising joy that comes when one stumbles upon something new. Take this video from GE. There's so much wonder here. And there's so much math: multiplication, percentages, exponents...  
               

(Did you know? Vienna Woods Education is based in Schenectady, NY—where GE started. GE generously supports the School of Humanities and Culture at Schenectady High)

Begin your math lessons by appealing to your students' curiosity, and once you've got them hooked, you'll help them sharpen other skills that will help them on the road to success and independence.

Math has so much practical, real-life value. The introduction to The Finish Line test preparation series for the Common Core Standards provides a great outline of the habits that students need to practice to achieve math proficiency. For example, students need to make sense of problems and not give up in solving them. They should take a step back, see patterns and use models, symbols, and numbers to solve everyday problems. They'll need to create structures to help them perceive the world and build their own.  And they'll have to learn to work carefully and accurately.  These sound like the qualities colleges and employers are looking for in their applicants, and proud parents in their children. Don't they?