Frequently Asked Questions
Placement is based on skill level, not grade level. Please contact our customer support team for help with your individualized placement questions.
The videos are intended to be ongoing professional development for teachers as preparation for classroom instruction. For older students who struggle with a particular concept, watching the video may provide additional clarity to supplement the lesson as presented by the teacher.
Yes. The manipulative blocks are the key to Math-U-See. We have found that those who are most successful in mastering and understanding each concept are those consistently using the manipulatives as recommended.
They are the first six letters of the Greek alphabet. Using Greek letters expresses sequence without indicating grade level. Math is sequential. One of the distinct elements of Math-U-See is that we are based on developing sequential learning skills. Our sequence progresses according to skill level rather than grade level.
Because Math-U-See is a complete stand-alone math curriculum designed for small group learning environments, it is an excellent core replacement curriculum in an RtI Tier 3 classroom setting. In General Education, the Math-U-See methodology may be used to teach individual concepts or ideas. In Tier 2 instruction, while Math-U-See is not designed to be a supplement, you may, with discretion, adapt certain lessons to supplement your curriculum.
Alpha is a critical level because it focuses on addition facts. In practice, if a student scored an 80% or higher on the test and it took them a reasonable amount of time, without the aid of any math assistive devices like a calculator or fingers, then they should take the Beta level test.
However, if a student scores 80% or better but is slow and uses counting strategies for addition problems, then we recommend one of two courses of action.
- Have the student go through the Alpha level.
- Follow the suggestions in the “Students Needing Fact Strategies” found in the Professional Development Training Modules.
Time in a lesson has two components, the overall lesson and daily time needed.
In every setting the overall length of a lesson depends directly on the student. Some students master the materials in two to three days, while others need seven to ten days or more to grasp some concepts. The key is not to move on until mastery has been achieved by the student.
On a daily basis, we recommend at least 10 minutes of direct, explicit instruction, “Build, Write, Say,” during Steps 2 and 3 of the 4-Step Approach. In some environments, more time may be needed. In RTI Tier 3 or Special Education environments, it is recommended that class sessions last between 45-60 minutes, four or five times each week
Each student is unique; therefore, this will depend on the needs of each student. However, as a general goal for students with moderate to severe discrepancies, we recommend a goal of completing one level of material per semester, based on student data documenting mastery.
Each classroom setting is unique. Math-U-See teaches math facts strategies so that students can do math without a calculator or other assistive devices. Therefore, we do not require the use of calculators in our lower level lessons; however, the use of calculators should be used in alignment with each teacher’s classroom instruction.