Math Continuum

Math Continuum Examples from OAME:

Social-Emotional Learning

Number

Algebra

Data

Spatial Sense

Financial Literacy

Math Continuum Examples from Lawson:

Thinking Mathematically

When a teacher is familiar with the learning continua they are better able to assess students’ gaps in learning.  Under equitable learning programs, students can get the structure and help that they need, ensuring that they have the same opportunities as their peers to succeed (1). The Learning Continuum recognizes that each individual is engaged in a personal lifelong learning process. It conceives of the learner's path as continuous, forward-moving and sequential (2).  In order to assist students, we must be aware of our own biases (3).  Students and teachers all bring unique perspectives to the classroom, including different:

• Biases

• Traumas

• Identities

• Experiences

• Assumptions

• Backgrounds 

The Learning Continuum can be a powerful tool and can help aid decision making inside and outside the classroom in these six meaningful ways (4):

1. Empowers teachers to maximize every student’s academic growth. It helps guide instruction for students at all levels, including Gifted and Talented, Title I, and English Language Learners (ELL).

2. Supports personalized learning paths. It enables teachers to easily scaffold instruction for all students.

3. Informs instructional time and flexible grouping. It makes it simpler for teachers to support students struggling with grade level content and permits challenging high-performance students with new and more complex material.

4. Aids in curriculum planning. It serves as a resource when developing curriculum, refining pacing, or revising programs.

5. Offers insight relevant to school improvement planning. It informs placement, grade level planning, content area planning, and staffing priorities.

6. Provides discussion points for parent-teacher conferences. It connects a student’s MAP test scores to concrete skills and concepts, making it easier for parents to reinforce goals.

Along with The Learning Continuum, teachers can tap into other Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) resources that help drive personalized learning paths.  Teachers must remember that each student is unique and on their own path.  It is up to educators to differentiate our teaching to meet the needs of our students.

Sources:

1. Equitable Learning Practices Explained

2. The Learning Continuum

3. 8 Powerful Ways to Promote Equity in the Classroom

4. Six Ways The Learning Continuum Can Help Teacher Decision Making