Learning at Rashi
Kindergarten - Grade 2
Spinning a dreidel to figure out probabilities… “going shopping around the school” to practice addition and subtraction skills with money… applying knowledge of 3D shapes, surface area and volume to design and build a model synagogue… measuring the diameter and circumference of circles all over the school on “Pi Day” (3.14)… these are just a few examples of how students actively engage in mathematics at Rashi. Our mathematics curriculum is rigorous, interactive, and tailored to fit individual student needs. Each child has mathematics every day. Each year, students learn concepts in number, operations, geometry, measurement, statistics, probability and algebra. Each teacher is trained to provide a program that is a careful balance of understanding new concepts and practicing new skills.
Math Emphasis
Our curriculum is based on the Standards for School Mathematics as formulated by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Grades K-5 use Everyday Mathematics. In grades 6- 8, teachers use three different texts based on the grade and class level: Impact, Passport to Algebra and Geometry, and Algebra. Teachers supplement the programs with extra or different homework as well as specific hands-on activities. Frequent assessments help teachers carefully monitor individual student progress. We evaluate the strength of our program through in-class assessments, by the scores on standardized tests, and by the success of our graduates in high school programs.
Rashi students have many opportunities to solve “real life” applications of math in useful contexts. Students work both collaboratively and independently to solve word problems that require choosing and ordering the operations necessary to find a solution. Teachers encourage students to think creatively and to find alternate processes to solving a problem. Homework exercises and in-class games provide opportunities for students to practice basic skills. Students relay their math thinking verbally and in writing.
Teachers differentiate instruction based on student needs, creating both enrichment and remedial materials. In grades K-2, learning support is provided in the classrooms during math time. Beginning in grade 3 and continuing through grade 8, students are divided into small math groups based on their competency level with the math content. Math groups are flexible to accommodate growth in a child’s knowledge and ability.
Rashi graduates head to high school with a firm grasp of mathematics and fond memories of their learning process!
