Let’s Connect! For Immediate Release When teachers in this Massachusetts district began using Contexts for Learning Mathematics (CFLM) in grade 2, they quickly saw that young learners were capable of extraordinary mathematical reasoning. Comparative studies conducted by district math coaches and researchers revealed unexpected outcomes—grade 2 students using CFLM outperformed older students who had not yet been exposed to the program. In a districtwide benchmark comparing 27 assessment items, grade 2 students who used a CFLM unit outperformed grade 3 students that did not use a CFLM unit on 25 out of 27 items (93%). These results demonstrate that when students learn mathematics through CFLM’s sequences of low-floor/high-ceiling contexts, their understanding exceeds what’s typical for their age. Even compared with older peers taught with traditional methods, CFLM students showed higher achievement. Learm more about CFLM. Grade 2 Students Surpass Grade 3 Peers Grade 2 Students Using CFLM Outperform Older Peers
Grade 2 CFLM Students Exceed Grade 4 Performance This comparison suggests that when students build understanding through CFLM’s sequences of contexts, they develop an incredibly deep understanding of the topic of study that transfers to answering correctly on assessments. By contrast, older students taught through more procedural methods demonstrated lower performance, even after additional years of instruction. A follow-up study amplified these findings when grade 2 students who had used CFLM were compared with grade 4 students who had not. Even two years younger, the grade 2 CFLM students performed equal to or better than grade 4 students on more than half of the test items (56%). Get more details on this study
When tested with Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) released items from grades 3–5, the same grade 2 students again exceeded expectations. They outperformed grade 3 students on 100% of the related MCAS released items, performed equal to or better than grade 4 students on 70% of items, and even matched or surpassed district and state averages on 20% of items—including a grade 5 question. Outperforming on State Assessment Items These results illustrate that the powerful learning developed through CFLM units not only prepares students for grade level work, but exceeds the expectations often set in state standards. Schedule a free consultation today! This district proved that developing deep conceptual understanding using Contexts for Learning Mathematics does not come at the cost of achievement—it’s the very foundation of it. Reimagining What’s Possible in Mathematics Classrooms