Math

PreK-3rd
Plato Academy follows the guidelines of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) for our early childhood classrooms. NAEYC is an organization that promotes high quality learning by connecting practice, policy and research.
Additional information: www.naeyc.org

We also follow the program of game playing outlined in the book Young Children Reinvent Arithmetic by Constance Kamii, a renowned Piaget scholar and mathematician.
Additional information: www.reinventingmath.com

Grades 3-8
Plato Academy uses DynaMath and/or Scholastic Math and Mathematical Mindset for students in Grades 3-8. In addition, Khan Academy is used for home practice.

DynaMath and Scholastic Math support best practices in math education. This includes the Standards for Mathematical Practices and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS). In addition to powerful math instruction, DynaMath and Scholastic Math also meet language arts standards with a unique blend of nonfiction reading and problem-solving practice. Each article applies math concepts to a high-interest topic and features motivating practice problems to build math confidence. This is one of the most engaging and effective ways to meet standards and prepare students to have a mathematical mindset as well as for the rigors of high-stakes testing. This approach also helps students make cross-curricular connections and see math as enjoyable, meaningful and relevant.

Common Core alignment for DynaMath
Common Core alignment for Scholastic Math
Additional information: https://math.scholastic.com

Mathematical Mindset is a research-based math program developed by Dr. Jo Boaler from Stanford University. Mathematical Mindset challenges the notion that math can only be understood by “math people.” Ability is malleable and productive mindsets profoundly impact student understanding. Students at Plato Academy do not see mistakes as indicators of low ability but rather as opportunities for learning and growth. Students are provided rich mathematical experiences to replace traditional rote learning. Research has shown very clearly that Mindset Mathematics effectively leads students to become confident mathematicians with an understanding of both basic and advanced mathematical concepts.
Additional information: www.youcubed.org

Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. This website math guides learners using state-of-the-art, adaptive technology that identifies strengths and learning gaps. Khan Academy is used for home practice to reinforce concepts that have been previously presented in school.
Additional information: www.khanacademy.org