As I learn more about the math standards in the U.S. and elsewhere, it is much clearer just how for behind SCASD is using Investigations. It does a lousy job meeting PA standards — which don’t meet NAEP standards — which are rated more poorerly than those of TIMSS. Sheesh!
Based on what was covered by Investigations in grade 4, at the end of last year I would bet that my kid wouldn’t have done well on an evaluation that covered these TIMMS standards in the area of Numerical Operations (bolded):
Number: Whole Numbers
1. Represent whole numbers using words, diagrams, or symbols.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of place value, including recognizing and writing numbers in expanded form.
3. Compare and order whole numbers.
4. Know the four operations ( +, −, ×, ÷) and compute with whole numbers.
5. Recognize multiples and factors of numbers; read weight and temperature scales marked in multiples.
6. Estimate computations by approximating the numbers involved.
7. Solve problems, including those set in real life contexts (for example, measurement and money problems).
8. Solve problems involving proportions.
Number: Fractions and Decimals
1. Recognize fractions as parts of unit wholes, parts of a collection, locations on number lines, and divisions of
whole numbers.
2. Represent fractions using words, numbers, or models.
3. Identify equivalent fractions; compare and order fractions.
4. Add and subtract simple fractions.
5. Show understanding of decimal place value including
recognizing and writing decimals using words and numbers.
6. Add and subtract decimals.
7. Solve problems involving simple fractions or decimals.
Note: Fourth-grade fractions items will involve denominators of 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, or 10.
Fourth-grade decimals items will involve decimals to tenths and/or hundredths.
Number: Number Sentences with Whole Numbers
1. Find the missing number or operation in a number sentence (e.g., if 17 + __ = 29, what number would go in the blank to
make the number sentence true?).
2. Model simple situations involving unknowns with expressions or number sentences.
Number: Patterns and Relationships
1. Extend patterns and find missing terms in them.
2. Describe relationships between adjacent terms in a sequence or between the sequence number of the term and the term.
3. Generate pairs of whole numbers following a given rule (e.g., multiply the first number by 3 and add 2 to get the second number).
4. Write or select a rule for a relationship given some pairs of whole numbers satisfying the relationship.
I’d be curious to know when these are covered in Investigations – let me know if/when you come across these kinds of problems in your 4th graders’ Investigations work!
