Fact Power Improvement Plan
Children need a solid foundation in math on which to build future math
learning. One aspect of math learning focuses on the mastery of basic math
facts. Developing and mastering basic facts will provide students with the
ability to approach math in a variety of ways and develop multiple
perspectives for problem solving. Knowing basic math facts will help
students not only in school but in real-world situations as well.
Frequent practice is imperative in order for a student to attain
mastery with facts. Therefore, in an effort to have each student in grades
one through five be successful with math facts, an emphasis will be placed
on daily practice of math facts both at school and at home.
Children will be assessed three times throughout the school year. A
copy of each assessment will be provided to parents in order to note and
compare progress. Parents are asked to provide 5-10 minutes of daily
practice at home using a list of strategies provided at “Back to School”
Night.
By the end of second grade students should master addition and
subtraction facts. In third and fourth grade the focus is on multiplication
and division facts. Most students should be successful with achieving this
goal by the end of fourth grade. Practice of all basic facts will continue
throughout fifth grade. By the end of sixth grade students are expected to
have automatic responses to recalling all basic facts.
Working together, hopefully this goal will provide a positive math
experience for all of our students in grades 1 through 5, building confidence,
self-motivation, and mathematical success.
Thank you to the Fair Haven School District for the development of the basic facts
program.
Basic Math Facts
Why are we addressing this topic?
To help your child increase his or her level of proficiency with basic math
facts, we have established a set of clear expectations for each grade level.
Keep in mind that while basic math fact power is very important it is only one
aspect of the total math picture.
How will my child’s progress be assessed?
Individual assessments will occur three times per year. A baseline
assessment will be conducted in early September followed by midyear and
end of year assessments. The results of your child’s progress will be sent
home after each assessment period.
How do I interpret the results of my child’s assessment?
There are three performance categories as follows:
Beginning: Your child took longer than three seconds to respond or gave the
wrong response (grades 1-2).
Developing: Your child was able to respond in two seconds or less and it was
correct (grades 1-2) or the fact was incorrect or left blank (grades 3-5).
Secure: Your child was able to respond in one second or less and it was
correct (grades 1-2) or the fact was answered correctly (grades 3-5).
How can I help my child at home?
Review the assessment results with your child and celebrate your child’s
successes. Help your child to practice and learn the facts in the beginning
and developing categories using strategies that have been suggested.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Attached is the basic fact assessment that was recently administered to
your child. Please take some time to review the results with your child.
Compliment your child for the facts that he or she knows and practice the
facts that your child is still developing.
First and second grade students were given an oral assessment. The
following categories were used:
Beginning: Your child took longer than three seconds to respond or gave an
incorrect response.
Developing: Your child was able to answer in approximately two seconds and
it was correct.
Secure: Your child was able to answer in one second or less and it was
correct.
Third, fourth, and fifth grade students were given a ten minute written
assessment. The following categories were used:
Developing: Your child answered incorrectly or left the response blank.
Secure: Your child responded correctly to the fact.
Facts in the “Beginning” and “Developing” columns should be reinforced using
the strategies provided at “Back to School” Night. Please remember that
short frequent intervals of practice (5-10 minutes) are most effective. Do
not forget to periodically review secure facts so that your child continues to
show mastery with those facts as well.
Thank you for your help and support in ensuring that your child
develops basic math fact power. Your work at home truly makes a
difference.
Sincerely,
Karen A. Vitro
Math Content Specialist
vitrok@millstone.k12.nj.us