Using Formative Assessment to Drive Mathematics Instruction in Grades 3-5

Provide targeted mathematics instruction for every child. These books combine formative assessment with practical activities to differentiate the elementary classroom.

The formative assessments include student work samples at varying levels. The authors...

• Illustrate the distinction between a "traditional" assessment and an "enhanced" assessment.
• Describe specific differentiated activities so each student may consistently receive instruction geared to specific need.
• Provide teachers with "Questions to Assess" to determine what each child understands about the math concept.
• Show how to move students to higher-level mathematics thinking and to apply math concepts.
• Include extension activities to offer challenging work for children who have achieved skill mastery level.

Each activity states a goal, the materials needed, a description of the activity, as well as specific questions to ask students. The assessments and activities are aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the expectations described by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

This resource will help teachers, principals, and curriculum directors identify students' levels of understanding about mathematics and provide concrete resources for remediation, instruction, and enrichment. These books are also an excellent resource for use during workshops and in-class observations.

Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 Number & Operations; Chapter 3 Algebraic Thinking; Chapter 4 Geometry; Chapter 5 Measurement; Chapter 6 Data Analysis & Probability; Chapter 7 Conclusion; Chapter 8 Appendix;

Ms. Christine Oberdorf is a dedicated and experienced educator. She serves as a Staff Development Teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland in addition to working as a consultant in mathematics education. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Christine appreciates opportunities to enable educators as they empower young mathematicians. She lives in Arnold, Maryland with her husband Arthur and her children Robert and Aley., >Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Cox is an enthusiastic, captivating presenter and well-known educator representing Taylor-Cox Instruction, LLC. Jennifer serves as a consultant in mathematics education and classroom discipline, providing professional development opportunities for elementary, middle school, and high school educators in numerous districts across the United States. Her keynote speeches, professional development workshops, strategic coaching models, classroom demonstration lessons, study groups, and parent workshops are always high-energy and insightful.Jennifer earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and was awarded the “Outstanding Doctoral Research Award” from the University of Maryland and the “Excellence in Teacher Education Award” from Towson University. She served as the president of the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Jennifer is the author of numerous professional articles and educational books.Jennifer knows how to make learning mathematics engaging and meaningful, motivating learners of all ages! She has a passion for using formative assessments to differentiate math instruction and solve classroom discipline issues. Jennifer lives and has her office in Severna Park, Maryland. She is the mother of three children. Jennifer truly understands how to connect research and practice in education. Her zeal for improving the quality of education is alive in her work with educators, students, and paren