Excel Math

About Excel Math

Excel Math is a mathematics curriculum for Kindergarten through Sixth grade students. It has been successfully used in classrooms since 1976. Math concepts are carefully woven into a single cohesive curriculum. Students are repeatedly given the chance to demonstrate use of the concepts so that they develop a solid foundation on which to confidently build their skills.

Excel Math is grounded in basic math concepts. It was developed by reviewing existing mathematics curricula, observing classroom-teaching methods, collecting suggestions from teachers, and considering results from standardized tests. The entire program has been written by a single author to prevent the fragmentation characteristic of many curricula. It is designed to enhance existing skills, and give students distributed practice on each concept. It provides a strong foundation in math. Excel Math produces results!

Primary Objectives of Excel Math

• Build Proficiency: Excel Math introduces new concepts while reviewing previously taught concepts, giving students opportunity to master the old, while being challenged with the new.

• Produce Confidence:The student receives immediate feedback on progress by using the Excel Math’s unique CheckAnswer system.

Benefits of Excel Math

• Integrates Lessons: Excel Math smoothly integrates one lesson to another, building on concepts which are taught gradually in one continuous thought process. This helps students see that math concepts are related and progressive.

• Balances New and Review: Each Lesson Sheet is made up of a variety of problems that incorporate a review of previously learned material with the introduction of new skills. Students are continuously challenged with new material, yet given the chance to continue mastering previous concepts.

• Enhances Student / Teacher Interaction: There is more time to do math problems because no time is spent copying problems from a book. This allows more time for the teacher to interact with students while working the Guided Practice. The Answer Board is a tool for teachers to check the students’ understanding of concepts while teaching the Lesson.

• Encourages Self-checking: Lesson Sheets in grades 2-6 use the CheckAnswer system so students can check their work. They add the answers for a group of problems and compare the sum with the CheckAnswer. If there's a mismatch, students know that at least one of their answers is incorrect. They can go back and correct their own work immediately - the best kind of feedback.

• Provides Regular Assessment: Homework is available on 4 out of 5 lessons (grades 2-6), and because the program is designed with distributed practice, students are frequently assessed on how they are doing.

• Eliminates the Need for Ability Grouping: Because we provide a mix of math problems and gradual spiraling of concepts, students do not need to be divided into groups by ability levels. This makes record keeping easier and avoids the social stigmas commonly associated with grouping based on ability and/or achievement levels.