Concepts • Skills • Problem Solving

What is Vertical Alignment?

Vertical alignment is a process that provides learners with an articulated, focused, coherent sequence of content. It ensures that content standards and units of study are introduced, reinforced, and assessed and that instruction is targeted on student needs and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

Why is Vertical Alignment Important?

Strong vertical alignment accommodates a wide variety of developmental levels. It allows teachers increased precision in their teaching because they are not teaching content that is covered elsewhere or that students have previously mastered.

5 Keys to Success

1. Back-Mapping

   According to The College Board, about 80% of students who successfully complete Algebra I and Geometry by 10th grade attend and succeed in college. That 80% is nearly constant regardless of race. (Changing the Odds: Factors Increasing Access to College, 1990) Texas Mathematics was conceived and developed with the final result in mind-student success in Algebra I and beyond. The authors, using the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills as their guide, developed this brand-new series by "backmapping" from the desired result of student success in Algebra I, Geometry, and beyond.

2. Balanced, In-Depth Content

   Texas Mathematics was developed to specifically target the skills and topics that give students the most difficulty.

      

   

• Grade K
• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5

Teacher Resources

• Mastering the TAKS
  Choose a Grade Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5
• Technology Training
  • ExamView Assessment Suite
  • Interactive Classroom
  • TeacherWorks Plus

• Visual Vocabulary Card
  Choose a Grade Grade K - Answers Grade 1 - Answers Grade 2 - Answers Grade 3 - Answers Grade 4 - Answers Grade 5 - Answers
• Mathematics Literature Books
• Math Songs Lesson Plans
  Choose a Grade Grades K - 1 Grades 2 - 3 Grades 4 - 5

• Math Songs Lesson Correlation Chart

• Multiply by Nine

• Additional Money Resources
  • Money Student Material
  • Money Teacher Material

• Professional Development
  Video Library
  • Grade K
  • Grade 1
  • Grade 2
  • Grade 3
  • Grade 4
  • Grade 5
• Teach, Use and Succeed
  • Macmillan Math Connects
    Pre-Kindergarten Program
    Walkthrough
  • Grades K-2
  • Grades 3-5
• Texas Math and English Learners TEKS Alignment

• Meet the Author
  • Mary Behr Altieri
  • Don S. Balka
  • Roger Day, Ph.D.
  • Philip D. Gonsalves
  • Ellen C. Grace
  • Stephen Krulik
  • Carol E. Malloy, Ph.D.
  • Rhonda J. Molix-Bailey
  • Lois Gordon Moseley
  • Brian Mowry
  • Christina L Myren
  • Jack Price, Ed.D.
  • Mary Esther Reynosa
  • Rafaela M. Santa Cruz
  • Robyn Silbey
  • Kathleen Vielhaber

• Math Adventures with Dot and Ray User Guide

• Family Letters

2. Ongoing Assessment System

   Texas Mathematics includes diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment; data-driven instruction; intervention options; and performance tracking, as well as remediation, acceleration, and enrichment tools throughout the program.

3. Intervention and Differentiated Instruction

   In order for students to overcome difficulties with mathematics learning, attention is paid to their backgrounds, the nature of their previous instruction, and underlying learning differences. Texas Mathematics includes a two-pronged approach to intervention.

   Strategic Teachers can use the myriad of intervention tips and ancillary materials to address the needs of students who need strategic intervention.

   Intensive For students who are two or more years below grade level, Math Triumphs provides step-by-step instruction, vocabulary support, and data-driven decision making to help students succeed.

4. Professional Development

   Texas Mathematics includes many opportunities for teacher professional development. Additional learning opportunities in various formats-video, online, and on-site instruction-are fully aligned and articulated from grade K through Geometry.