This document contains Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards for Mathematics. The Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Mathematics are designed to be general guidelines which may be adopted or adapted by local school districts with cooperation and input from parents and other concerned citizens. They are important goals for all students from which individual schools can build a complete curriculum specific to the needs of the district and the students. Sample tasks and student work designed according to the standards are presented. Standards are presented for six areas: (1) Mathematical Processes; (2) Number Operations and Relationships; (3) Geometry; (4) Measurement; (5) Statistics and Probability; and (6) Algebraic Relationships. Contains a glossary. (ASK)

Results from national and international assessments indicate that school children in the United States are not learning mathematics well enough. Many students cannot correctly apply computational algorithms to solve problems. Their understanding and use of decimals and fractions are especially weak. Indeed, helping all children succeed in mathematics is an imperative national goal. However, for our youth to succeed, we need to change how we're teaching this discipline. Helping Children Learn Mathematics provides comprehensive and reliable information that will guide efforts to improve school mathematics from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The authors explain the five strands of mathematical proficiency and discuss the major changes that need to be made in mathematics instruction, instructional materials, assessments, teacher education, and the broader educational system and answers some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to mathematics instruction. The book concludes by providing recommended actions for parents and caregivers, teachers, administrators, and policy makers, stressing the importance that everyone work together to ensure a mathematically literate society.

To assist parents and educators in preparing students for the 21st century, Wisconsin citizens have become involved in the development of challenging academic standards in 12 curricular areas. Having clear standards for students and teachers makes it possible to develop rigorous local curricula and valid, reliable assessments. This model of academic standards is for the area of music. The introduction defines the academic standards, explains how they were developed, suggests how to use the standards, and how to apply them across the curriculum. An overview of music is divided into the following sections: performance (singing; instrumental); creativity (improvisation; composition); literacy (notation); response (analysis; evaluation); and connections (the arts; history and culture). Sample proficiency standards are also included. (BT)