Math and Technology

Pre-K students begin with simple counting and one-to-one correspondence activities.  Teachers use graphing, number lines and daily calendar activities to help students develop concepts in basic numeracy.

The Comprehensive School Mathematics Program (CSMP): This was developed by mathematicians who were dissatisfied with the rote arithmetic approach to teaching mathematics and who wanted students to develop a deeper understanding of number concepts and broader mathematical thinking. The program is sequential through the grades and spirals through number theory, geometry, measurement, logic and employs a problem-solving approach across all of these strands. There is broad use of visual organizers such as webs and Venn diagrams, number lines and graphs, and students are taught and encouraged to use a variety of algorithms to solve problems. Teachers do integrate basic math drill into their lessons to improve fluency and to prepare students for more complex math.

Algebra and Geometry: In 5th and 6th grades, students use a variety of teacher-made materials and published texts to attain competency in identifying and solving problems in basic operations, basic algebra and geometry. Students in the 7th and 8th grades make use of the Integrated Algebra Program, which focuses on elementary algebra, graphing, and logic/problem-solving, and is considered accelerated math in public middle school.  This provides High Meadow students the option of pursuing advanced math in High School.

High Meadow School takes a balanced approach to the integration of technology into the curriculum. We see the wonder of what technology can bring to our studies, specifically access to the most current data, the ability to bridge the far-away or out-of-reach and the facilitation of the writing process. Technology supports and extends a rich array of hands-on, experiential and interpersonal learning in age-appropriate ways through the grades.

In the lower school, it is the Teacher who primarily makes use of technology to research curriculum content, create classroom materials, communicate with colleagues, parents, and the world beyond, and occasionally access video and film to bring children into batcaves or to an owl’s nest. This allows young students to make observations and gain deeper understanding and construct knowledge within a study.

Beginning in 4th grade, students learn keyboarding. They also begin their very first research on the Internet in their Whale Study, where they find the most current information on the migration of humpback whale pods. As they progress through the middle school years, they develop more and more independence in the use of technology and go on to:

• utilize presentation programs for oral and visual reports
• communicate and co-create written work with Google Documents
• use a variety of animation and film editing programs to create short animated films, live-action films and photographic artworks and books
• develop and hone Internet research skills

It is our goal for students to develop responsible and thoughtful approaches to the use of technology. We spend a great deal of time cultivating citizenship and we extend those values to our conduct on the Internet, whether we are researching or communicating.