Exploring Mathematics Curriculum

In this assignment, you will gather information on an early childhood mathematics curriculum. You will either interview an expert or serve as the expert yourself in researching, answering, and reflecting on the answers to a set of content-related questions.

Create a 3- to 5-page paper in a Word document for your response.
Use APA format for the title page, references page, and in-text citations.
Write an introduction and conclusion for the paper. Introduce the person providing the data.
Follow the directions to complete Parts 1 and 2 of the assignment. Use the part titles as subheads.

Part 1: Data Collection
Step 1.
In preparation for the assignment, review the Module 2 reading, Early Math Matters: A Guide for Parents of Preschoolers (http://www.getreadytoread.org/early-learning-childhood-basics/early-math/early-math-matters-a-guide-for-parents-of-preschoolers.).

Step 2.
Gather data about early childhood mathematics curriculum in one of two ways.

Conduct an interview of an early childhood administrator or teacher, or
If you hold one or both of the positions, answer the questions yourself.
Step 3.
Answer each question below in at least one well-developed paragraph:

Question Set:

Describe your role in the school or organization.
Which mathematics curriculum/approach is used in the school or organization program?
Why was this curriculum/approach to teaching mathematics chosen over others?
How is the mathematics curriculum/approach designed to prepare children to succeed in kindergarten mathematics?
How are technology and media integrated within the mathematics program?
Is an integrated approach to teaching mathematics used? If so, with what content areas is mathematics integrated? How is integration achieved?
How is mathematics instruction modified to meet the cultural, linguistic, and ability diverse needs of students?
Have the early childhood teachers received professional development and support in how best to teach mathematics? If so, what types of professional development were provided?
How are parents and families included in planning, implementing, and evaluating the mathematics curriculum at your school or organization?

Part 2: Reflection and Analysis
Step 4.
Compare them to your state (New York State) and national standards for early childhood mathematics education.

How do the responses compare to your state and national standards for early childhood mathematics education?
Which practices would you adopt in your early childhood mathematics program, and which would you change?