Public school students in Nebraska have a new set of math standards this year.
While the four broad math ideas are the same – Numbers, Algebra, Geometry, and Data – the standards are designed for K-12 students to get a deeper understanding of the concepts.
Deb Romanek, director of mathematics for the Nebraska Dept. of Education, says elementary schools will focus on the foundation of numbers, solving problems, and math operations.
“Basically, we slowed down what they were to do,” Romanek tells Nebraska Radio Network. “Give teachers and students more time to go in-depth with the topics, so they are prepared to go to that next step and that next grade level.”
The standards were approved last fall after educators and business representatives weighed in on what students should know to be ready for work or college.
The goal is to get students to understand math concepts and how to use them.
“It’s really working together and communication,” Romanek says, “so you really want to have a curriculum that allows students to work in groups and work on projects and make connections to the local businesses to see ‘when am I ever going to use this material’ that gets them sparked and excited to learn.”
When it is time for graduating seniors to choose college or work, they should be well-prepared for either one, says Cory Epler, the department’s senior administrator for teaching and learning.
“What would they need if they were to go into a community college or go into the university system or if they were to go right into the workforce, so we’re not separating those,” Epler says. “We think that they go hand in hand.”
Nebraska’s public school districts must adhere to the new state standards, but each one may develop a unique curriculum to achieve the learning objectives.