Getting from Arithmetic to Algebra

In this innovative book, two experienced educators present a fresh and engaging approach to mathematics learning in the middle grades with the transition from arithmetic to algebra. The authors provide a collection of balanced, multi-dimensional assessment tasks designed to evaluate students’ ability to work with mathematical objects and perform mathematical actions. Assisting teachers in their efforts to put into practice the NCTM and Common Core State Standards, these assessments were carefully developed and tested to make them as revealing and adaptable as possible, suitable for incorporation into any curriculum. Teachers will appreciate the explicit and illustrative material the authors include to specifically help assess the mathematical understanding of students in grades 5–8. The text features a Teachers’ Guide to each task, reproducible student tasks, and solutions and rubrics.

Judah L. Schwartz teaches in the Department of Education at Tufts University and is on the senior staff of the Poincare Institute for Mathematics Education at Tufts. Joan M. Kenney consults with school districts on issues of mathematics curriculum and classroom practice. Joan may be contacted for professional development at joan_kenney@post.harvard.edu.

“This book offers a collection of engaging problems that provide middle school students with opportunities to think mathematically. . . . I had fun working them!”
—Alan Schoenfeld, University of California, Berkeley

“This is a great teacher resource.”
—Melanie Nichols, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts

“Teachers who know that their students need to think in math class will find this book, from a distinguished design team, an invaluable assessment tool.”
—Hugh Burkhardt, Shell Centre for Mathematical Education, University of Nottingham, UK

Student Tasks