District emphasizes conceptual understanding; Common Core delays standard algorithm until fourth grade
Santa Fe Public Schools officials say the newly adopted math materials prioritize conceptual understanding and delay direct instruction of standard algorithms until later grades, aligning with Common Core guidance. Officials and teachers gave classroom examples contrasting rote memorization with conceptual strategies.
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Arturo Lujan, STEM coordinator for Santa Fe Public Schools, described the curriculum's emphasis on students developing mathematical concepts before procedural rules. "All the research says that from kindergarten all the way up to 4th grade students need to develop conceptual understanding," Lujan said, explaining why the district prioritized materials that build understanding before teaching the standard algorithm.
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