Vision & Mission: The mission of the Colorado Springs District 11 mathematics community is to ensure all students have the opportunity and the support necessary to learn meaningful mathematics with depth and understanding using methods of mathematical inquiry and applying concepts and skills in a variety of contexts where mathematics is a tool used to understand and interpret our world for the global economy of the twenty-first century. We support the shared vision and mission of Colorado Springs School District 11 by:

• collaborating with members of professional learning communities to develop, implement, and evaluate standards-based coherent aligned mathematics curriculum to increase student achievement;
• using research-based and evidence-based best practices in the teaching of mathematics, K-12.

The Elementary Curriculum, grades K – 2 focus on building number sense skills developing the understanding of ten. Grades 3 – 5 continue developing number sense through 1,000,000 and computation skills focusing on computational fluency. Students focus not only on computation and number sense, but also, algebraic concepts of patterns, probability/statistics, geometry and measurement.

Middle School Curriculum, grades 6 – 8 prepares students for the high school mathematics courses by addressing all six state standards. High school students focus on developing algebraic understanding which is the prerequisite for higher level thinking and understanding of mathematics. High school courses include Advanced Placement courses of Calculus and Statistics.

Mathematics educators are dedicated to the improvement of classroom instruction in mathematics at all levels. They also realize new knowledge, tools, and ways of doing and communicating mathematics continue to emerge and evolve. They are also aware that in this changing world, those who understand and can do mathematics will have significantly enhanced opportunities and options for shaping their futures.

• Algebraic Thinking was piloted for 6th and 7th grades during the 2007-2008 school year at Mann, Russell, and Irving Middle Schools. This innovative, research-based program has proven results in other districts, and includes use of technology to help students conceptualize algebraic formulas. See the Algebraic Thinking Parents Page for more information.

• The Use of Calculators in Elementary Math - describes how often and for what purpose calculators are used at the elementary level.

• Facts Behind the Video - provides relevant information about a web-based video criticizing instructional approaches used in Everyday Math. Learn the true facts behind the misrepresentation.