Author Description

"The authors show a remarkable talent for embedding important and substantive mathematics in charming, yet authentic tasks." --Mark J. Driscoll, Codirector Center for Leadership and Learning Communities, Education Development Center "These tasks require students to problem solve and use critical thinking skills as they develop possible solution strategies. They add a level of fun, interest, and challenge to the mathematics curriculum." --Melanie Nichols, Dean of Academic Affairs Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Hot Springs, AR Engaging, easy-to-use assessments that inform instruction and learning! If you′d like to improve mathematics instruction and boost student achievement, this book is for you! Tasks and Rubrics for Balanced Mathematics Assessment in Primary and Elementary Grades helps teachers collect accurate formative data about students′ strengths and weaknesses and increase mathematical understandings for all learners. Developed by the Balanced Assessment in Mathematics Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, this comprehensive collection features research-based mathematical tasks that appeal to students and connect to their daily lives while generating invaluable information for educators. Using assessments linked to NCTM standards and carefully crafted rubrics that cover all elementary grade levels and mathematics topics, teachers can: Analyze the learning components of each task and show individual levels of success Adjust instructional strategies for an entire class or target individual learning needs Maintain a focus on accessibility and equity for all students Develop and refine students′ mathematical thinking skills and prepare students for high-stakes tests This resource provides powerful tools for delivering meaningful instruction, building students′ confidence, and significantly increasing their skills and performance in mathematics!