Standards of Mathematical Practice
Problem Solving: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
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I can figure out what a problem is asking.
I can solve problems without giving up.
Reasoning: Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
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I can think about numbers in many ways.
I can represent the problem with variables.
Proof: Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
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I can justify my answers and examine someone else’s.
Representations: Model with mathematics.
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I can show my work in many ways.
I can use different representations.
Resources: Use appropriate tools strategically.
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I can pick a tool that will help me solve the problem and tell why I chose them.
I know how to use a variety of math tools.
Communication: Attend to precision.
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I can state exactly what I mean.
I give an answer that is accurate.
I work carefully and check my work.
Patterns: Look for and make use of structure.
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I can apply what I know to a new problem.
Connections: Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
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I can discover rules or patterns, describe them, and use them to solve problems.
Want more info?
http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Practice/
Math Portfolio
The math portfolio is a comprehensive, year-long project for students to analyze their
understanding of the Standards of Mathematical Practice. These practices are the foundational
skills of truly being a mathematician. The portfolio will be collected and graded at the end of
each term. It should be in a one-inch binder and can be organized however you wish.
Each term students should include in their portfolio:
q Table of Contents
q At least one item of student work (tests, quizzes, problem sets, homework, projects,
ANYTHING!) that demonstrates each of the Standards of Mathematical Practice
q Problem Solving
q Reasoning
q Proof
q Representations
q Resources
q Communication
q Patterns
q Connections
q Each piece of work should have a typed (Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced)
rationale as to:
q Explanation of the assignment
q How this sample represents the standard
q Why this is the best example of the standard for you
q Answer specific questions for certain standards:
§ Problem Solving
• Describe how you solved the problem and why that method was
useful
• Was there another strategy you know and you could have
used? If so, describe it and explain why you didn’t choose this
strategy.
§ Representation
• Describe the mathematical idea that you represented in this
work.
• Describe different ways you represented this idea.
• Explain why each representation is useful.
§ Reasoning and Proof
• Explain the idea or conjecture that you proved in this work.
• Describe the evidence you used to support your claim.
• How strong is your argument? Describe the strengths and
weaknesses of your evidence.
q Grade Proposal for the term: What grade do you thing/feel you deserve and why?
The portfolio is a living document. We will be working on it in class, however the bulk of the
work should be done outside of class throughout the term. It is impossible to wait until the night
before to complete this assignment.