Why Wait?
Why Wait?
By now, you’ve probably heard that Minnesota has new Mathematics Standards. So, my question is: what’s keeping you from taking a look?
Maybe your grade level isn’t implementing them yet. Maybe you’re a department of one. Maybe your plate is already overflowing with everything else that comes with teaching. Those are all legitimate reasons for hesitating.
Still, I’d like to encourage you to take that first step.
If you’re wondering where to begin, that’s a great question.
It doesn’t matter where you start. What matters is that you start.
If you’re looking for a recommendation, I’d begin with two documents: the Minnesota Mathematics Standards themselves and the Glossary and Appendices.
The Glossary and Appendices aren’t intended for students. They’re designed for you the educator. Think of them as a resource to help you clarify definitions, refresh concepts, and revisit examples that may have been tucked away in the back of your mind for a while.
When you open the standards document, resist the temptation to jump directly to your grade-level benchmarks. Instead, start at the beginning. Turn to page 4 and read the introduction. Spend some time understanding the “why” behind the revisions. Much of the content isn’t entirely new, but there are important shifts and refinements worth noting.
As you read, pay particular attention to page 6 and the discussion of mathematical rigor. The goal isn’t simply for students to get the right answer. The standards challenge us to help students understand mathematics deeply, apply it in meaningful ways, and build fluency with important skills. You’ll also notice an emphasis on mathematical practices, real-world contexts, financial literacy, and preparing students to make sense of an increasingly data-rich world. These ideas remind us that mathematics is more than a collection of procedures. It’s a powerful tool for understanding and navigating life beyond the classroom.
Then pay special attention to page 10 and the discussion of Dimension 2 benchmarks in contexts. You’ll notice symbols that connect learning to Minnesota Tribal Nations, financial literacy, computer science, modeling, and real-world applications. These connections help bring mathematics to life and make learning more relevant for students.
Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Attend the free webinars. Join discussions with colleagues. Consider becoming part of the Minnesota Math Leaders group to learn alongside educators who are exploring and implementing the standards. And don’t forget that every Sunday evening, a new YouTube video is released that unpacks a specific benchmark.
In closing, we’d all like to believe tomorrow will be less busy than today. But as educators, we know that’s rarely the case. Tomorrow tends to be just as full as today.
So take one small step. Read a page. Watch a webinar. Explore a benchmark.
Every little bit you do today is one less thing you’ll have to do tomorrow.
Christine Quisley