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Elementary Mathematics

WCPS uses the Maryland College and Career-Readiness Standards (MCCRS) for mathematics as the primary curricular resource for instruction. The MCCRS are based on the Common Core State Standards which include eight (8) Standards for Mathematical Practice.  These practices rest on processes and proficiencies with long-standing importance in mathematics education that educators should seek to develop in their students. 
 
1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
 
Number sense is fundamental to all mathematical learning. Students begin to build number sense in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. Number sense is strengthened and reinforced in all grades. Developing number sense provides many opportunities for students to recognize relationships between numbers, identify patterns and determine the reasonableness of their work. Conceptual understanding is built through concrete experience in which children use manipulatives. Students must first develop a concrete understanding of number relationships by constructing and exploring. Emphasis on computational fluency is also an essential component of elementary math instruction. Computational fluency is defined as having and using efficient and accurate methods for computing. Students should be able to perform computations in multiple ways, including mental calculations, estimation and paper-and-pencil calculations using mathematically sound algorithms. Computational fluency develops in tandem with understanding at all grade levels. 
 

Mathematics Frameworks

Maryland College and Career Ready Mathematics Content Standards

Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) Mathematics 

Information about the MCAP for Mathematics, such as Blueprints, Evidence Statements, Rubrics, etc., may be found on the may be found on the MCAP Mathematics page.