WEBVTT

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[Music] Welcome to the overview

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on National Math Panel:

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Major Topics of School Algebra.

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The National Mathematics Advisory Panel

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Report addresses the necessary critical

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foundations for success in algebra,

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and lists the major topics of algebra.

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Regarding the major topics of algebra,

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the Panel set forth important

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recommendations

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for improving algebra instruction.

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First, the teaching of algebra,

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as with all mathematics instruction,

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must ensure that students are proficient

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in conceptual understanding,

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computational fluency,

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and problem solving.

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In addition, the major topics

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of algebra are not a sequence

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of disjointed items

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to be committed to memory.

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Instruction must emphasize the

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connections among topics as well

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as the logical, coherent progression

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of those topics.

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Two practices were identified

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that support authentic algebra

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instruction for all students.

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Let's take a look at these practices.

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First, teach the major topics

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of school algebra as recommended

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by the National Mathematics

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Advisory Panel.

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The major topics are:

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Symbols and Expressions,

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Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations,

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Functions, Algebra of Polynomials,

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Combinatorics and Finite Probability.

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Each major topic includes a number

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of school algebra subtopics.

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For example, the major topic,

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Symbols and Expressions,

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includes the subtopics of variables,

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constants, and polynomial expressions,

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rational expressions, and arithmetic

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and finite geometric series.

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Teachers should build student

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understanding of the algebra topics

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and explain the mathematical connections

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between those topics.

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Students need to develop proficiency

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in solving problems,

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including problem formulation

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and translation,

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transformation of equations,

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and explanation of the steps

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in problem solving.

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Teachers must have a deep understanding

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of the algebra content they teach,

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knowledge of the topics of algebra,

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connections among those topics,

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and strategies

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to teach concepts and skills.

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Second, provide multiple curricular

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pathways for student learning.

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That is, provide multiple course

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offerings and different sequences,

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so students are not locked

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into any given sequence too early.

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It is also important

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that students have the opportunity

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for support, reteaching, and remediation

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as necessary.

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Teachers should expect

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that all students will learn algebra.

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In high-achieving nations, teachers

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and students believe

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that if they work hard,

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they will succeed at mathematics.

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Although many in the United States still

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believe that success is a matter

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of inherent talent, research has shown

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that students who believe they can do it

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and work hard actually do achieve.

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It is essential

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to establish districtwide expectations

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for a sequence of courses

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that encompass all school

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algebra topics.

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Districts and schools need

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to align the major topics

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of school algebra

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with content standards,

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teaching materials,

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instructional strategies,

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and assessments.

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Teachers must ensure

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that there is a foundational level

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of preparation and multiple pathways

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for students to succeed

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in school algebra.

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As you learn about the practices,

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keep in mind that the major topics

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of algebra highlighted

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by the Panel comprise both core

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and foundational elements

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of school algebra-elements needed

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for the study of school algebra itself

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and more advanced mathematics courses.

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The materials on this website will help

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you learn more

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about the two recommended

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algebra practices.

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Here's a preview of what you'll find

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on this site: Learn more

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about the practices.

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Read summaries of key research studies

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and listen to the interviews

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with experts talking about teaching

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and learning algebra,

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and its impact on students' success

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in advanced mathematics learning.

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See how other schools have implemented

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these practices.

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View site videos and slide shows.

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Listen to staff interviews

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and review sample materials.

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Do the practices.

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Use the tools to help you reflect

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on your school's algebra program,

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support classroom teachers,

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and improve instruction.

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Use the information

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on the Doing What Works website

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to discover new and proven ideas

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for improving algebra instruction

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for all of your students.

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National Math Panel:

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Major Topics of School Algebra