MathLinks: Core (Grades 6, 7, 8)

Is MathLinks: Core (2nd ed.) available now?

YES! The full program launched in Summer 2023.

How can I pilot MathLinks: Core (2nd Ed.)?

Pilot Information and pilot request for are available here. The program is a consumable product. For free, we offer one class set (up to 40 students) of one unit per teacher for those who are planning to adopt new materials. One-semester and full-year pilots are also available for a fee.

How does MathLinks: Core (2nd ed.) different for the 1st version?

MathLinks: Core (2nd ed.) has the same dedication as the 1st Edition to providing accessible mathematics content to a broad range of learners, with a strong focus on developing conceptual understanding, while building in meaningful problem-solving and skills practice. But there has been a significant facelift. Some features of interest:
  • All grade-level standards are addressed in full in 10 units that can be completed in about 100 class hours. This is possible by focusing on and revisiting the  Big ideas of each grade.
  • Each unit begins with an Opening Problem to create interest and a “need to know.” Many are revisited after one or more lessons of instruction are completed.
  • Slide decks and lesson notes help guide instructions for critical topics.
  • The Teacher Portal contains a wide variety of resources for review, enrichment, tasks, and projects Click here for more details about the differences in the programs. 

How does MathLinks: Core (2nd ed.) differentiate for different levels of learners?

100% of the MathLinks lessons can typically be completed in about 100 class hours. This allows teachers tie to scaffold and differentiate. The “low floor-high ceiling” design of lessons allows teachers to differentiate within lessons. Components such as Essential Skills and Skill Boosters provide resources for students who need to catch up. Nonroutine Problems provide enrichment for advanced learners. Tasks and Projects benefits all learners!

What kind of assessments are included in MathLinks: Core (2nd ed.)?

A variety of formative (assessment for learning) and summative (assessment of learning( assessment options are included in MathLinks. Some of the Formative assessments are pre-assessments, journals, a monitor your progress feature, and packet reflections. Some summative assessment options are quizzes, tests, projects, and tasks. Many assessment components are available in .pdf and .doc formats to make customization easy.

What electronic resources are available to students?

A digital format of Student Packets is available on web or to download onto a device. Students may use a pen or text box to respond to questions and return work to teachers via screen shots.
Students may also view Student Resource Guides on the website.

Are the MathLinks: Core packets editable?

No. Only the Assessments and Skill Boosters are editable.

What electronic resources are available to teachers?

Teachers have access to a wide variety of resources through the Teacher Portal.  Some of these are: Teacher Edition, Slide Decks, Student Packets (for projection), Essential Skills and Skill Boosters to help students catch up, Nonroutine Problems for enrichment, Tasks, Projects, Quizzes, Tests, Technology Activities, and a wealth of Program Information that explains the philosophy and program design.  

What resources are available for parents/guardians?

Parent Letters (in English and Spanish) and Student Resource Guides are available for every MathLinks unit on the public website.  All Student Packets are available for viewing.

What am I permitted to print?

All resources in the Teacher Portal are available to print except for Student Packets.  These must be purchased (in print and/or digital formats).

MathLinks: Essentials

How does MathLinks: Essentials differ from MathLinks: Core?

MathLinks: Essentials focuses on the major work of Grades 5-8. It is not a comprehensive course, and is designed to help students catch up.  MathLinks: Core fully addresses all of the Common Core Standards for Grades 6, 7, and 8, and is designed for a wide range of learners.

Can we purchase MathLinks: Essentials packets individually?

Yes. All Student Packets are sold separately to allow flexible design.

How is MathLinks: Essentials being used?

MathLinks: Essentials is typically used in summer programs, intervention programs and with Special Education students to help students catch up in a systematic way.

Can MathLinks: Essentials be used for distance learning?

Yes.  Consumable packets or the digital format allow students to work remotely.  Slide decks and lesson notes give teachers guidance in lesson delivery.

How does MathLinks: Essentials scaffold for different levels of learners?

The “low floor-high ceiling” design of lessons allows teachers to differentiate instruction within lessons. For example, students may use a model to build a pattern and graph inputs and outputs, but questions that push student thinking about concepts related to slope-intercept form of a line are also included.

How does MathLinks: Essentials meet the needs of struggling learners?

Design principles, based on the work of various experts, were incorporated into the program. For example, hands-on and conceptual approaches help students create meaning, and structured workspace helps students stay focused. 

Can MathLinks: Essentials be used as a core program?

Carefully chosen combinations of MathLinks: Essentials packets will address the major work of the middle grades (number, proportional reasoning, expressions and equations, and functions). While this does not address all of the content standards for any particular grade, this may be an appropriate plan to address the needs of students who need a well-thought-out catch-up program.

What electronic resources are available to students

A digital format of the Student Packets is available to download onto a device.  Students may use a pen or text box to respond to questions and return work to teachers via screen shots.
Students will also find Student Packets for viewing on the website.

What electronic resources are available to teachers?

Teachers have access to a wide variety of resources through the Teacher Portal.  Packet Resources include the Teacher Edition and slide decks,  Student Packet for viewing, problem banks, and assessments.  General Resources include Getting Started videos and Skill Boosters.

What Professional Development is needed to implement MathLinks: Essentials with fidelity?

Short videos that explain the program components and some of the routines are available on the secure website for teachers. But some professional development is recommended due to the unique format and non-routine approaches. We find that educators who attend professional development led by MathLinks authors report that they appreciate the time digging deeper into mathematics content and pedagogy, they benefit from collaborating with peers, and they feel better equipped to teach MathLinks lessons with fidelity.

What resources are available for parents/guardians?

For every packet, Parent Letters (in English and Spanish) and Student Packets (for viewing) are available on the public website.

What am I permitted to print?

All resources in the Teacher Portal are available to print except for Student Packets.  These must be purchased (in print and/or digital formats).

MathLinks: Skill Boosters

What are MathLinks: Skill Boosters?

Skill Boosters are short sets of problems aimed to increase basic concepts and skills knowledge that many middle school and high school students are lacking. Skill Boosters are typically recommended as a short daily routine to help students fill these gaps.

What topics do Skill Boosters cover?

Whole numbers, fraction concepts, fraction addition and subtraction, fraction multiplication and division, decimal and percent concepts, integer concepts and operations, and equation solving.

How are Skill Boosters being used in the classroom?

Skill Boosters are used for students who are more than one year behind their current grade level. They provide a daily practice routine to fill in holes in content.

What is included with a Skill Boosters purchase?

Skill Boosters are included with both the Core and Essentials programs in the online teacher portals, or may be purchased separately in a print format. Each topic has an outline of content being covered, weekly problem sets (five weeks of problems with four problems for four days each week), pre and post assessments, answer keys, and a resource guide that provides students with definitions and examples.