About
Excel Math
Excel
Math is a mathematics curriculum for Kindergarten through Sixth grade
students.
It
has been successfully used in classrooms since 1976. Math concepts
are carefully woven into a single cohesive curriculum. Students are
repeatedly given the chance to demonstrate use of the concepts so
that they develop a solid foundation on which to confidently build
their skills.
Excel
Math is grounded in basic math concepts. It was developed
by reviewing existing mathematics curricula, observing classroom-teaching
methods, collecting suggestions from teachers, and considering results
from standardized tests. The entire program has been written by a
single author to prevent the fragmentation characteristic of many
curricula. It is designed to enhance existing skills, and give students
distributed practice on each concept. It provides a strong foundation
in math. Excel Math produces results!
Primary
Objectives of Excel
Math
- Develop
Thinking Skills: The
students work a variety of concepts each day, and tackle a variety
of word problems, so they learn to evaluate and solve problems,
rather than perform algorithms by rote.
-
Build
Proficiency:
Excel
Math introduces new concepts while reviewing previously taught
concepts, giving students opportunity to master the old, while being
challenged with the new.
-
Produce
Confidence:The student receives immediate feedback
on progress by using the Excel Maths unique CheckAnswer
system.
Benefits
of Excel Math
-
Integrates
Lessons:
Excel Math smoothly integrates one lesson to another, building
on concepts which are taught gradually in one continuous thought
process. This helps students see that math concepts are related
and progressive.
-
Balances
New and Review:
Each
Lesson Sheet is made up of a variety of problems that incorporate
a review of previously learned material with the introduction
of new skills. Students are continuously challenged with new
material, yet given the chance to continue mastering previous
concepts.
-
Enhances
Student / Teacher Interaction:
There is more time to do math problems because no time is spent
copying problems from a book. This allows more time for the
teacher to interact with students while working the Guided Practice.
The Answer
Board is a tool for teachers to check the students
understanding of concepts while teaching the Lesson.
-
Encourages
Self-checking:
Lesson Sheets in grades 2-6 use the CheckAnswer
system so students can check their work. They add the answers
for a group of problems and compare the sum with the CheckAnswer.
If there's a mismatch, students know that at least one of their
answers is incorrect. They can go back and correct their own
work immediately - the best kind of feedback.
-
Provides
Regular Assessment:
Homework is available on 4 out of 5 lessons (grades 2-6), and
because the program is designed with distributed practice, students
are frequently assessed on how they are doing.
-
Eliminates
the Need for Ability Grouping: Because
we provide a mix of math problems and gradual spiraling of concepts,
students do not need to be divided into groups by ability levels.
This makes record keeping easier and avoids the social stigmas
commonly associated with grouping based on ability and/or achievement
levels.
-
Requires
Minimal In-Service:
All
materials (student lessons, homework, weekly tests, and guidance
for manipulatives, glossary) are provided and are self-directing.
Lesson plans are kept simple and give the teacher several examples
for presenting the material.
-
Improves
Test Scores:
Schools
across the nation using Excel Math report consistently improved
test scores.
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