By Jakobi Lundy-Bass Staff Writer
In recent years there has been a shift in how math is taught in Michigan schools due to the adoption of new Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Over the last few decades, focus on math was how to understand and do an equation. Math teachers that have passed through Loyola have all taught in a similar fashion until this year.
In response to the new CCSS for math, Loyola Math teachers Jemel Hence and Kimberly Rakestraw have changed the way math will be taught at Loyola for years to come. They are using new CCSS aligned texts along with a different approach to teaching the subject.
“I taught the way that I was taught, focusing more on how to do a math problem through actual math problems, but with the Common Core I now focus on the what, the how and the why,” said Rakestraw, who teaches freshmen and sophomores.
Hence, who teaches juniors and seniors said: “Not only did I focus on how to do a math problem but also real world application. Common core has made me do more story problems in relation to the real world.”
Both teachers said they see the difference in how they now have to give more focus to critical thinking.
