Math Menu—Tools (for Application)

The third component of the PATH Menu is Tools for Application—Select an efficient tool.

When students begin to work through a problem, it is important that they consider the various math tools available to support them. Students can ask themselves, What is the most efficient tool I can use to solve this problem? as a guiding question. As they build their mathematical proficiency, it is important that they

• identify the most efficient tool to help them solve a problem. Although there are myriad math tools, it is important for students to consider them carefully and select one that will help them be proficient and accurate in their work.
• recognize the ways in which a tool can be helpful as well as the tool’s constraints. Students will learn how certain tools will work better than others.
• learn to explain themselves articulately to others. They need to be able to tell how they worked through a problem in a way that others can clearly understand and follow.
• consistently make sure they have labeled their units of measure and other items accurately and clearly.

Using the Standards for Mathematical Practice, we identified three strategies in the third component of the PATH Math Menu. These strategies can be taught at any grade level and can be used across a broad range of mathematical concepts.

As we roll out this menu, we will release accompanying videos as well as Ready Reference Guides that will guide you in how to teach these strategies to your students.

It is our hope that this PATH Menu will be a tool that supports you as you work to help all students become better at math.