Helpful Links:
Parent Guides: Summaries and sample
problems from each unit.
http://www.cpm.org/parents/resources.htm
Skill Builders: Extra help for pesky topics.
http://www.cpm.org/parents/extraPractice.htm
CPM Homework Help: Contains answers for
homework problems.
http://www.cpm.org/students/homework/
Teacher Contacts
Northland Pines High School
715-479-4473
John Hayes (x1603)
jhayes@npsd.k12.wi.us
Steve Miller (x1605)
smiller@npsd.k12.wi.us
Jacob Husing (x4217)
jhusing@npsd.k12.wi.us
Kathryn Carey (x4243)
kcarey@npsd.k12.wi.us
Don Czarapata (x1306)
dczarapata@npsd.k12.wi.us
http://www.cpm.org/
Northland Pines Middle School
715-479-6479
Kathryn Carey (x4243)
kcarey@npsd.k12.wi.us
Sandy Reynolds (x4233)
sreynolds@npsd.k12.wi.us
Tara Petreikis (x4232)
tpetreikis@npsd.k12.wi.us
The CPM
Curriculum
A Closer look for NPSD
students & parents
What’s new?
What about homework?
NPSD has adopted CPM, College Preparatory
Mathematics, as its 6-12 math program. The CPM
text and teaching approach has been phased in
over the last three years, from Making
Connections 2 (Pre-Algebra) through Algebra 2.
Each daily homework assignment has review
problems and will not focus on concepts learned
in the lesson of the day. Therefore, even if
students did not fully understand the main
concepts of the lesson, they should still find that
they can complete the homework independently.
Mastery over time is the reasoning behind the
review. That is, to solidify a concept takes
repeated practice over time.
All Common Core Connections, Algebra, and
Geometry students are required to have a
scientific calculator while the Algebra 2 students
are required to have a graphing calculator (we
suggest the Ti-84).
How is CPM different?
Research has shown that math students learn best
when engaged in doing math, not just watching a
teacher talk about it. Students will spend much of
a CPM math class working through a variety of
different problems in small teams. The team
philosophy has many assets:
1. Requires active learning by all
students
2. Makes it more comfortable for
students to ask questions and
problem solve in a small group
environment.
3. Provides a vehicle for a high level of
thinking, participation, and
communication.
CPM also requires more writing. In addition to
finding a numeric answer, students often write a
short explanation or justification for why that is
the answer. Research supports this approach to
learning.
http://www.cpm.org/pdfs/statistics/sallee_research.pdf
CPM provides flexibility for teachers and students
for additional reinforcement and extension of
topics.
What about grades?
Grades will be based upon individual assessments
(60%), team assessments (10%), course
work/homework (20%), and the final exam (10%).
For more information regarding grading, see the
teacher syllabus.
Where can I go for help?
… At school.
Team Members:
The CPM program is designed for students to
learn by working with classmates. During most
class periods, they will be working through
different problems with a group of three or four.
Teams will discuss, justify, and record their
solutions.
Teachers:
For part of the class period, teachers still provide
direct instruction. For other parts of the period,
the teachers are there to guide/facilitate student
teams through new material by asking probing
questions and giving hints. Teachers summarize
and provide closure with the students after teams
work through the lesson. The teachers will also be
available for help before and after school, as well
as during resource/homeroom.
Where can I go for help?
… At home.
The Parent Guide:
CPM has published comprehensive Parent Guides
for most of their texts. These are available for
purchase or you can download the entire book (or
just a chapter) for free. The guides contain
explanations of the concepts and objectives from
each unit, with discussion and answers to the key
questions.
http://www.cpm.org/parents/resources.htm
Skill Builders:
CPM’s website also provides a section called Skill
Builders – a series of problems (with answers
provided) more narrowly focused on different
skills or topics that your students might need to
review and polish. Copies are available through
the math department as well as online.
http://www.cpm.org/parents/extraPractice.htm
Homework Help:
CPM provides free access to homework
help/answers on their website. You are even
given the answer, a helpful hint, or a detailed
step-by-step solution with helpful hints and
comments along the way. It would be slower to
complete all of your homework this way, but the
site is available as a check for you if you are really
stuck or to see if you arrived at the correct
answer.
http://www.cpm.org/students/homework/
We can provide support materials for students
who do not have internet access.