Abstract/Description:
In this session we present findings from our analysis of six middle school textbooks purported to align to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM). We specifically report on the approach and connection of isometries and congruence in grade 8. We found the majority of the curriculum materials to be lacking in three important mathematical ideas related to isometries: properties of isometries, congruence in terms of isometries, and orientation of figures. This lack of connections will impact teachers as they implement the CCSSM and students as their opportunities to learn isometries as outlined in CCSSM will vary depending on their teachers’ understanding of isometries and congruence as well as the textbook that they are using.
Presenter:
Dawn Teuscher, Brigham Young University; Lisa Kasmer, Grand Valley State University; Travis Olson, University of Nevada-Las Vegas; and Shannon Dingman, University of Arkansas