Uncovering Student Thinking About Mathematics in the Common Core, Grades 6-8
25 Formative Assessment Probes
- Cheryl Rose Tobey - Tobey Education Group, LLC, Education Development Center, Newton, MA
- Carolyn B. Arline - Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
Pinpoint and reverse math misconceptions with laser-like accuracy
Here’s the middle-grades math resource you’ve been waiting for! Bestselling authors Cheryl Tobey and Carolyn Arline are back with 25 entirely new assessment probes that pinpoint subconcepts within the new Common Core Standards for Mathematics to promote deep learning and expert math instruction. Learn to ask the right questions to uncover common student misconceptions. Get practical instructional ideas that build new and accurate skills--while learning is already underway. It’s all here in this detailed and grade-level specific guide.
Organized by strand, the probes will enable you to:
- Quickly and objectively evaluate common misconceptions around fractions and decimals, linear equations, ratios and percents, statistics, and more
- Systematically address conceptual misunderstandings and procedural mistakes--before they become long-term problems
- Help students better understand areas of difficulty
- Plan targeted instruction that builds on students’ current understandings while addressing areas of struggle
- Master the essential CCSM mathematical processes and proficiencies for Grades 6-8
You’ll find sample student responses, extensive Teacher Notes, and research-based tips and resources. Eliminate the guesswork and join thousands of busy middle-grades teachers who’ve used these easy-to-implement tools to foster solid math proficiency!
"This book will definitely help mathematics teachers now that the CCSS are becoming such a big part of our teaching."
—Debra A. Scarpelli, Middle School Mathematics Teacher
RIMLE President, PARCC/CCSS ELC Cadre for Rhode Island, and Adjunct Professor
Free resources
Linear Equations Lesson
Use this lesson from Uncovering Student Thinking About Mathematics in the Common Core, Grades 6-8, on linear equations to probe student understanding and misconceptions.
"The formative assessment probes are the best part of this book. I love that the probes are broken down by concepts and that they are described using the QUEST process – this allows the teachers to really reflect on their teaching and how the students are learning. This book will definitely help mathematics teachers now that the CCSS are becoming such a big part of our teaching."
