From Numbers to Knowledge: Growing K-2 Mathematics
Monica Kahlbaugh
ID-4125
School Name:Highlands Elementary
Grant Request Grade:Pre-K K-5
Grant Request Subject:Mathematics
This application has been fully funded
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Additional Details
The goal of this project is to improve K-2nd grade students’ mathematical understanding, problem-solving skills, and engagement with learning aids and hands-on manipulatives. The project addresses the need for accessible, engaging, and differentiated instructional resources that support students with varying learning needs and provide multiple ways for students to understand and apply mathematical concepts. The learning aids and manipulatives will help students develop foundational math skills, strengthen problem- solving skills, and demonstrate their understanding of grade-level mathematical concepts aligned with state academic standards. The project also supports the students’ IEP goals of differentiated student-centered instruction that promotes academic achievement, active engagement, and equitable access to learning opportunities for all students.
Funding is requested to purchase math learning aids, and manipulatives for an ESE Inclusion classroom. Resources may include interactive math mats, base-ten blocks, dice, ten frames, counters, spinners, playing cards, Lakeshore games and other hands-on materials that allow students to visualize and explore mathematical strategies and concepts. Students will participate in whole-group lessons, teacher-led small-group interventions, targeted interventions, partner activities, math games, and independent learning activities using these resources. These hands-on experiences will provide opportunities for students to practice skills, explain their mathematical thinking, solve problems, and develop greater confidence and independence in mathematics. The materials will support differentiated instruction by providing multiple ways for students with diverse learning needs to access and demonstrate understanding of grade-level concepts. Activities will be directly connected to classroom instruction and will reinforce learning objectives and grade-level standards in number sense, number sequence, place value, mathematical fluency, and problem-solving.
The success of the project will be measured through multiple sources of student data. Progress will be monitored by comparing student performance before and after implementation, including progress toward IEP goals, classroom assessments, and standardized assessments. Additional evidence of impact will include student work samples, formative assessment results, teacher observations, and documented changes in student engagement, confidence, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning. This data will provide measurable evidence of student growth and help determine whether the learning aids and manipulatives are effectively supporting student achievement.
Requested funds will be used to purchase instructional materials and hands-on math manipulatives that directly support K-2nd grade mathematics instruction and the goals of this project. These resources will provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning while developing conceptual understanding of number sense, place value, addition and subtraction, problem-solving, and other foundational mathematical skills.
Funding may be allocated toward interactive learning tools, base-ten blocks, place-value materials, counting and number-sense manipulatives, math games, and other standards-aligned resources. These materials will allow teachers to provide differentiated and small group instruction, giving students multiple ways to model, visualize, practice, and demonstrate mathematical concepts.
Approximately 20-30 students will benefit directly from this project. The materials will be available for repeated use throughout the school year, allowing students across grade levels and instructional groups to benefit from the investment. The project is designed to increase student engagement, strengthen foundational math skills, and support measurable growth in mathematics achievement.
