Uncovering Student Thinking About Mathematics in the Common Core, Grades K–2

Get to the core of your students’ understanding of math! Back by popular demand, Cheryl Tobey and new coauthor Emily Fagan bring you 25 entirely new formative assessment probes—this time specifically for Grades K–2 and directly aligned to the Common Core. Thousands of teachers have already discovered that using probes may be the single-best way to identify students’ understandings and misunderstandings of key math concepts and then follow-up with the most appropriate instructional choices. Organized by strand, the probes will enable you to:

• Objectively evaluate each child’s prior basic numeracy and math knowledge
• Systematically address common mistakes and obstacles before they become long-term problems
• Help students integrate new mathematical ideas and immediately pinpoint areas of struggle
• Plan targeted instruction that builds on students’ current understandings while addressing their identified difficulties

With the help of these probes, K–2 teachers will eliminate once and for all the perception "some kids just aren’t good at math" and put all students on the path of lifelong proficiency. "Tobey and Fagan provide both a roadmap and GPS for navigating the Common Core Standards for Mathematics. In a time when teachers are asked to do more and more, this is a fabulous resource to guide instruction that will meet the needs of individual students. I was so impressed with the content, I found myself taking copious notes as I read." —Roxie R. Ahlbrecht, Math Intervention Specialist Lowell MST, Sioux Falls, SD "These probes get to the heart of the Common Core Standards. The Teacher Notes provide valuable guidance on interpreting student results and using the information to inform instruction." —Donna Boucher, K–5 Math Instructional Coach Morton Ranch Elementary School, Katy ISD, Katy, TX