Excellence in Elementary Mathematics

List of 5 items.

• What is Singapore Math?

  
  It's an authentic Singapore Math curriculum—with problem solving as the center of math learning and concepts taught with a concrete–pictorial–abstract learning progression through real-world, hands-on experiences. The focus is on how to best facilitate students explaining their thinking and not just sharing their answers. This fosters multiple, creative pathways to arrive at the same result and enriches the learning of the entire class. 
  

• Are Singapore Math and Math in Focus the same program?

  
  Yes! The name Singapore Math refers to the teaching methods or the actual curriculum used for elementary students in Singapore. In the 1980s and 1990s, Singapore examined best practices worldwide and created a rigorous program that focused on problem solving and mastery of the most important mathematical skills and concepts. Between 1984 and 1995, the nation moved from 16th in the world to No. 1 in mathematics performance, and the successful program they developed was honed and enhanced in the following decade. The program has been used worldwide and was introduced to the United States under the name Math in Focus.

• Why Singapore Math?

   

  • Clarity of the materials (students don’t get lost in wordy instructions and descriptions)

  • Focus on the most critical mathematical concepts

  • Mastery of key mathematical concepts and building blocks through in-depth study, exploration, and practice

  • Breadth of resources to challenge and support students

  • Richness of the word problems and powerful methods to solve complex problems

  • Use of many strategies and approaches (hands-on manipulatives, pictures, and equations)

  • Robust online tools and resources, leveraging powerful technology

• What training has our faculty received in order to teach Singapore Math?

  
  SSSAS has formed an invaluable relationship with the Singapore Math leadership, which has enabled our teachers to fully embrace the curriculum with enthusiasm and confidence. Professional development was instrumental in the successful implementation of Math in Focus. Our teachers received extensive training, which will continue throughout the first three years of introducing the program.

• When did SSSAS begin using Singapore Math?

  
  

  After a year of research, review, and testing, the Lower School adopted Math in Focus for first through fifth grades during the 2015-2016 school year.