This year I am using the Houghton Mifflin’s textbook, Math Central and components of Connected Math & Investigations from Dale Seymour Publications. The fifth grade will be experiencing a diverse approach to teaching and learning mathematics. The textbook is an essential resource, but other materials will also be utilized (including computers, video, audio, and other multimedia technology.) The fundamental goals of learning mathematics this year include students becoming proficient in problem solving, communicating, reasoning, and in relating mathematics to the "real world."

I take a different approach to teaching and learning mathematics. The curriculum will be balanced between the "traditional" use of the textbook and the Investigations & Connected Math Programs. The Investigations & Connected Math Programs encourage teaching for conceptual change to enrich the basic skills and concepts of the "traditional" method. The use of a diversified curriculum will benefit students by providing them with the best of both curriculums.

The variety of assignments and assessment methods will be diverse in order to accurately obtain information regarding a student’s conceptual understanding of information. The breakdown of the workload is in three categories, Homework (daily work included), Tests & Quizzes, and Projects.

Students are encouraged to have a mathematics journal and folder to keep information, resources, and notes together. Students using a journal are able to convey the thoughts, ideas, conceptions, and misconceptions in one "safe" place. It provides a record of their growth in understanding the concepts that have been presented and discussed. Students may complete daily/homework using loose leaf, but in my experience the journal works better.

The daily work/homework is a large part of the grade for student’s work. Tests and quizzes are given at appropriate times, either weekly or at the midpoint and end of a chapter or lesson. Finally, one project will be assigned each quarter.

Assessment of student’s work will primarily consist of daily checks on in-class and homework. In addition to the daily work, other means of alternative assessment will be utilized to accurately portray the students’ understanding of concepts. These alternative methods will include reports (both written and oral), presentations, and projects.