Saturday, October 05, 2013

Fact Fluency System

Students' Friday tests are posted on the class website.
Students find their initials and take the tests tailored for their current level. 
I've noticed a positive correlation between test scores and fact skill.

I'm using a system that works well.

I start with testing all students with four That Quiz tests, one for each operation.  I either give 50 facts or 100 in each operation. For 100 facts I expect students to complete all in 5 minutes or less with 3 or fewer errors, and for 50 I expect students to complete the facts in 3 minutes or less with 3 or fewer errors. I test on the facts for 1-10.

After the test, I put students in the following categories:
  1. add facts (50)
  2. subtraction facts (50)
  3. add/subtract (100)
  4. multiplication (50)
  5. division (50)
  6. multiplication/division (100)
  7. multiplication/division/addition/subtraction (100)
  8. simple algebraic equations (100)
I test students each Friday at their level and chart the progress.

For home study students practice with Xtra Math each night for 15 minutes at their level. I adjust the Xtra math levels accordingly. Students who pass all facts, grow skill using Khan Math for 15 minutes a night or another designated online or offline personalized program.

This computation system works well for children's math growth. In addition to the computation system students practice math concept/content skill with a myriad of online practice for home study, and a variety of projects and activities in class.

Bonus math includes students' favorite: Sum Dog!, math sing alongs with YouTube playlists, Video explanations, and class projects

This is a system that works. Do you have a similar system or have you found other strategies that work well? If so, let me know.