Using the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics With Gifted and Advanced Learners

by Susan K. Johnsen (editor), Linda J. Sheffield (editor)

"Using the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics With Gifted and Advanced Learners" provides teachers and administrators examples and strategies to implement the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) with advanced learners at all stages of development in K 12 schools. The book describes-and demonstrates with specific examples from the CCSS-what effective differentiated activities in mathematics look like for top learners. It shares how educators can provide rigor within the new standards to allow students to demonstrate higher level thinking, reasoning, problem solving, passion, and inventiveness in mathematics. By doing so, students will develop the skills, habits of mind, and attitudes toward learning needed to reach high levels of competency and creative production in mathematics fields.

Genres: Teaching

136 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Susan K. Johnsen, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University. She directs the Ph.D. program, and programs related to gifted and talented education. She is past-president of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented. She is editor of Gifted Child Today; coauthor of the Independent Study Program, RTI for Gifted Students, Using the National Gifted Education Standards for University Teacher Preparation Programs, Using the National Gifted Education Standards for PreK–12 Professional Development; and author of more than 200 articles, monographs, technical reports, and other books related to gifted education.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Using the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics With Gifted and Advanced Learners” has six contributing authors and is edited by Susan K. Johnsen, Ph.D. and Linda J. Sheffield, Ph.D. The audience for this book is teachers and administrators who work with gifted and advanced children. Its hope is to help the people who work with these kids to implement the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) that will affect grades K-12.

The purpose of the CCSS is that it is to help with curriculum that will help students develop the skills and learn the concepts that will be required is they are going to be able to function and compete in the 21st century.

This book would most likely not hold the attention of people who are not in education, but for those who are, this book would grab their attention. It begins with explaining what CCSS is and how it will affect gifted and advanced students. But it does just “tell” the reader, it also provides great sample activities that the teacher could use to enhance her curriculum. An example of this can be found on page 22 where the page starts off with: Subject: Math Learning Progressions: Patterns. Followed by: Domains: Operations and Algebraic Thinking (3rd & 5th); Functions (8th & High School). Then concrete examples are broken down for 3rd, 5th, 8th, and high school grades.

Also included is a possible timeline for implementing the CCSS locally. It is broken down into three columns: Task, Person(s) Responsible, and When. In the first row, the Task is: Know and understand the CCSS for Mathematics. Under Person(s) Responsible: All school personnel. Under When: August-September. This goes on until you get to July and have to start over. There are also resources to help implement CCSS.

This book is an excellent resource for teachers and administrators who work with gifted and advanced learners. With the sample activities, timelines, resources and more, the teacher/administrator will feel more confident that they are teaching these children to excel in the 21st century.

:::This book was received through LibraryThings Early Reviewers. It did not affect my honest opinion of this book:::

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics with Gifted and Advanced Learners edited by Susan K. Johnsen and Linda J. Sheffield is more of a booklet than a book. At only 115 pages, the length was disappointing. Although more bulk and additional detailed classroom examples would have been great, this booklet packs a lot of power for educators making the shift to the Common Core. [return][return]Short chapters cover a wide range of topics including the needs of gifted learners, differentiation, interdisciplinary approaches, and strategies for implementation. One of the best chapters helps educators visualize how activities for the gifted student might differ from the typical student on specific standards.[return][return]This book would be a great tool for administrators and curriculum supervisors to use with busy mathematics and gifted educators who prefer a concise, focused look at the new standards and how they can be implemented with gifted and advanced learners.

[Eden Steffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. Research-based.

[Deanna Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Had a few helpful hints.