Early Base Ten Assessment

This protocol was developed when two grade one and two multi-aged classroom teachers asked, When should we be worried? They were finding that some of their second graders were not progressing as hoped for by mid-year. We took these four problem types and placed strategic number combinations in them and asked the student to solve each problem.Within two seconds or less, it was clear if the student had automaticity or need to calculate to find the answer. This information revealed where the student needed further instructional conversations within the base range or at an upper-level number range depending upon how far in the protocol the student advanced.

Protocol and Recording Sheet

News & Updates

What’s New on the website – Updated 1/2/2023

Welcome to 2023! So far this year has been fairly normal in that face-to-face classroom experiences have gone continued so far uninterrupted.

I have the privilege this school year of working with a group of third graders. Part of that process is revising and expanding the third grade curriculum materials here on the website. Expect to see changes in the online materials as the year progresses. Remember, these materials are the trace of our work with these particular students. You need to adapt anything here on the website to match the needs of your students. Our third graders are somewhat unique in that this cohort has never experienced a complete, uninterrupted school year. My third grade colleague and I have gone slower at points then we historically would have done to make sure the gaps in development (both mathematically and social-emotionally) are met. The pace is now picking up as we enter 2023. We are please with the increase in their mathematical confidence, in the students’ ability to articulate their thinking, and in their listening to other perspectives.

— Data Analysis & Statistics —

With the new GAISE II data standards available, my third grade colleague and I are experimenting with what we are calling ‘data interludes;’ week long intensive investigations on a topic that provides a focus on discerning the difference between statistical and mathematical questions, and allowing for conversations around the quality of the data and any analysis. We have enacted one (Data Interluded 1: Which season has the most birthdays at the grade level) so far and are looking to implement others in the next few weeks and months. We are looking for topic ideas that have both depth and meaning for third graders. If you have suggestions, email me at [email protected].

— Multi-Step Rich Tasks —

Take a look at the reorganization and added tasks to this section. As we continue to work with third graders this year we will be adding more to this collection. Take a look at the Peanut Butter Sandwich Snack Packs and the Library Stacks shelving activity.

— Professional Development Articles —

Learning Single-Digit Combinations: Developing Important Mathematical Ideas has been revised. It is designed to be used in a “book study” context one might conduct as part of a PLC and includes links to videos and other files. I have also crafted two new sections in support of the curriculum units: Instructional Practices and About the Mathematics. These pieces will also be integrated into the various curriculum units but I have posted them separately to find them in one spot.

A major work is underway regarding multiplication and division. Parts are out for feedback and editing comments from colleagues. It is also being designed as a “book study” similar to the way that “Learning Single-Digit Combinations” was structured.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me directly at [email protected]