FAQs
The following is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If there is something you don’t see here... please contact us directly.
1. What is the difference between MathLinks Units and Courses?
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Mathlinks Units are topic-based units for students struggling to meet math requirements for grades 6, 7, 8, and algebra, or to pass a high school exit exam. Units are appropriate for intervention and summer programs, and they can be combined to make customized comprehensive stand-alone programs.
MathLinks Courses are comprehensive year-long programs for students struggling to meet math requirements for grades 6, 7, 8, and algebra. For example, MathLinks: Core Algebra contains substantial review of the number system, expressions and equations, and linear functions at the middle school level. High school topics include linear inequalities, polynomials, exponents and roots, and quadratics.
MathLinks Courses are comprehensive year-long programs for students struggling to meet math requirements for grades 6, 7, 8, and algebra. For example, MathLinks: Core Algebra contains substantial review of the number system, expressions and equations, and linear functions at the middle school level. High school topics include linear inequalities, polynomials, exponents and roots, and quadratics.
2. When will MathLinks programs be available? click for answer
Units and courses are in various stages of development because we are creating materials to fully align with the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics, which were approved in 2010. Most MathLinks Units are available now. MathLinks: Core Algebra will be ready in Fall 2012. MathLinks: Core Grade 8 will be ready in Fall 2013. Courses for grades 6 and 7 will be ready after 2013.
3. Who is developing the MathLinks programs?
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The Center for Mathematics and Teaching, Inc. is developing the programs. Our team includes former UCLA mathematics teacher-leaders, experts in teaching students with learning needs or English learners, and research mathematicians. By combining the expertise of classroom teachers with mathematicians, the programs are mathematically solid and pedagogically appropriate for students who struggle in mathematics.
4. What is the mathematical content in MathLinks?
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MathLinks includes topics typically learned in upper elementary and middle school through beginning algebra. MathLinks programs address all the standards on the California High School Exit Exam. They are aligned to CCSS Standards for Grades 6, 7, 8, as well as high school standards typically studied in a beginning algebra course.
5. For whom are the programs most effective?
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The high cognitive demand makes MathLinks lessons effective for all students. However, the consumable layout, problem selection, and support strategies embedded within lessons make the programs especially appropriate for secondary students who have special learning needs, English learners, and others who are struggling to meet mathematical literacy requirements. In California, this generally corresponds to students who score in the low basic, below basic, and far below basic ranges on California’s various Standards tests.
6. Why are the programs organized into packets for students?
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Packets provide a consistent organizational structure that gives students a fresh start for success every week or two. Schools that experience high transiency rates find that this structure provides accessible transitions into the classroom.
7. What 2007 California Mathematics Standards are addressed in MathLinks?
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MathLinks Units include all the standards tested on the 7th Grade CST, General Mathematics California Standards Test, and the California High School Exit Exam. MathLinks: Core Algebra includes about 90% of the topics on the current Algebra CST.
8. What CCSS Standards are addressed in MathLinks? click for answer
MathLinks Units are written to align specifically with CCSS standards and practices for grades 6, 7, 8, and algebra. MathLinks: Core Algebra includes a solid review of standards from 6, 7, 8 plus HS topics that are typically found in a beginning algebra course, such as exponents and roots, polynomials and quadratics. MathLinks core programs for Grades 6, 7, and 8 will include all CCSS standards for that grade level, along with substantial review of previous grades.
9. What kinds of assessments are included in MathLinks?
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Each MathLinks Unit includes a multiple choice pre-assessment, multiple choice post-assessment, and two forms of a free response quiz for each packet within the unit. MathLinks Courses will include a multiple choice pre-assessment, multiple choice quarter and trimester assessments, free-response quizzes for each packet, and at least two assessment tasks that require students to apply modeling and mathematical reasoning.
10. What kind of review is included in MathLinks programs? click for answer
Every MathLinks packet includes “skillbuilders”, which review current and previous topics. In MathLinks Units review emphasizes topics from within the particular unit. In MathLinks Courses, skillbuilders include periodic review of all topics in the course
11. Can MathLinks Units be used as a “stand-alone” course?
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The flexible design of MathLinks Units make them appropriate for a support program, or they can be combined to create custom courses for grades 6, 7, 8, general mathematics, or algebra
12. What technology is included with the programs? click for answer
All student packets are available on CD-rom for projection on a smart board. Other suggestions for technology connections are included within each packet. However, the entire program is not available as an on-line program because we believe that teacher and student interaction is essential for developing concepts when working with students who struggle in mathematics.
13. How can I preview MathLinks Units and Courses? click for answer
Currently many MathLinks packets are available online (in draft form) for preview. Visit our Mathlinks Clusters to view packets. Hard copies are available to districts upon request.
14. Is it possible to purchase permission to print materials?
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No. MathLinks materials are copyrighted and must be purchased on a per student basis.
15. How can I obtain more information about MathLinks? click for answer
For more information please contact:
President - Shelley Kriegler
Vice President of Sales and Marketing - Cynthia Raff
Vice President of Program Development - Mark Goldstein or
Director of Operations - Theresa Lee
President - Shelley Kriegler
Vice President of Sales and Marketing - Cynthia Raff
Vice President of Program Development - Mark Goldstein or
Director of Operations - Theresa Lee
