Math That Matters

In this insightful math resource for grades 3–8, popular professional developer Marian Small helps teachers understand and facilitate meaningful assessments to advance student understandings. Small shows new and veteran teachers how to do three fundamental things well: identify the most important math to assess; construct meaningful assessments—both formative and summative—to measure student understanding; and provide students with feedback that is clear, timely, and specific. Examples for each grade level are provided, along with details on how to pose questions, analyze errors, and help students understand and learn from their mistakes. The book provides specific guidance for when and how to offer feedback on both correct and incorrect answers in order to advance students’ mathematical thinking. Like other Marian Small bestsellers, Math That Matters combines her special brand of lucid explanation of difficult concepts with fresh and engaging activities.

“Our understanding of the power of assessment to improve learning has deepened significantly in the past two decades. . . . Marian Small draws upon the critical research behind this understanding to explain what effective practice looks like. It is essential reading for all elementary educators and has the potential to profoundly affect the quality of mathematics assessment in our schools.”
—From the Foreword by Damian Cooper, president, Plan Teach Assess

“Teachers are often clamoring for concise classroom assessments that can capture students’ conceptual understanding. Clamor no more! Math That Matters is a timely response to that need. Marian Small removes the mystery of how to engage students in learning while collecting assessment data that drive next instructional plans.”
—Karen Karp, Johns Hopkins University

“The beauty of this book is that it is simple enough for brand new teachers and complex enough for experienced teachers. The author offers an amazing gift by linking assessment ideas directly to common state standards.”
—Felicia Darling, Santa Rosa Junior College