Mathematics The TEKS and TAKS Connection

What does TEKS stand for? T Texas E Essential K Knowledge and S Skills

What are the TEKS? The TEKS are the state- mandated curriculum for the school children of Texas.

What does TAKS stand for? T Texas A Assessment of K Knowledge S Skills

What is the TAKS? The state-mandated assessment based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

The TEKS curriculum in mathematics centers on three objectives: Vertical alignment Use of manipulatives Hands-on activities

Algebra Alignment 3.7A Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student uses lists, tables, and charts to express patterns and relationships. The student is expected to identify patterns in a table of related number pairs based on a real-life situation and extend the table.

Algebra Alignment 4.7A Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student uses organizational structures to analyze and describe patterns and relationships. The student is expected to describe the relationship between two sets of related data such as ordered pairs in a table.

Algebra Alignment 5.6A Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student describes relationships mathematically. The student is expected to select from and use diagrams and number sentences to represent real-life situations.

Algebra Alignment 6.5A Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student uses letters to represent an unknown in an equation. The student is expected to formulate an equation from a problem situation.

Algebra Alignment 7.5A Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student uses equations to solve problems. The student is expected to formulate a possible problem situation when given a simple equation.

Algebra Alignment 8.5A Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student uses graphs, tables, and algebraic representations to make predictions and solve problems. The student is expected to estimate, find, and justify solutions to application problems using appropriate tables, graphs, and algebraic equations.

Algebra Alignment Ab4A Foundations for functions. The student understands the importance of the skills required to manipulate symbols in order to solve problems and uses the necessary algebraic skills required to simplify algebraic expressions and solve equations and inequalities in problem situations. The student finds specific expressions, transforms and solves equations, and factors as necessary in problem situations.

Manipulatives What are they and why use them?

Manipulatives Unifix Cubes Measurement Tools Attribute Blocks Tangrams Base 10 Blocks Pattern Blocks Geoboards

Unifix Cubes Plastic cubes that connect to one another Come in many different colors – some sets have as many as 10 different colors Used to teach one to one correspondence, counting, addition, subtraction, and patterns

Measurement Tools Many different manipulatives must be used in order to teach all the concepts involved in measurement. Scales, rulers, meter sticks, measuring cups, balances, weights, clocks, thermometers

Attribute Blocks Blocks that consist of squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles Come in different colors, sizes and thicknesses Used to work on defining objects by properties

Tangrams A Chinese puzzle connected to a legend Consists of a square broken into 7 pieces Used to teach geometry and spatial relations

Other Manipulatives Base 10 Blocks Pattern Blocks Geoboards

Why Use Manipulatives Mathematical concepts are more easily understood and developed with manipulatives. Children need to learn mathematical concepts and to see relationships among these concepts.

Why Use Manipulatives Children must construct the concepts and relationships in their own minds. Much of mathematics is presented symbolically and needs to be presented concretely.

Why Use Manipulatives Once a concept has been introduced and developed concretely (with manipulatives) students will adapt to the symbolic level more easily. Computational skills are more easily learned when drawn from concrete experiences.

Hands-on Activities Provide learning with understanding Help mathematics makes more sense Make mathematical concepts easier to remember and apply Show the relevance of topics