Problem Statement: Instructional activities in mathematics are differentiated to enhance learning for all children; however, according to the 2016 PARCC results, only 38.2% of third grade students met or exceeded grade level expectations.

Rationale: Our school has two SPP goals in math that directly relate to this topic. One goal is to focus on enrichment for all students, and another is to differentiate learning tasks based on formative assessments.

Although all teachers on the third grade team believe they are differentiating mathematics instruction, only 38.2% of third grade students met or exceeded grade level expectation on the 2016 PARCC Assessment. Teachers feel that students’ critical thinking skills are not being addressed effectively. Teachers are seeking strategies and resources for enhancing and extending critical thinking skills.