Teaching Math in Context

This semester I piloted a new class for my county.  I taught a section of algebra 1 using an integrated math approach and using the Core Plus Mathematics textbook.  This book has served as the anchor for my course.  The main difference between the Core Plus book and traditional math texts is the way that each topic is introduced. 

In a traditional math class, the students are taught a topic and the rules that apply to that topic.  After the rules are "mastered" students are taught how to apply the rules to real life situations through word problems. 

Research shows that students, especially students with disabilities, have a hard time making the transition from algorithms to application.  The Core Plus math book approaches teaching math using the complete opposite strategy.  Each topic is introduced through a real life scenario.  The students then use investigations to discover the rules about the topic and transition from word problems to problems without context.  I feel that this gives the students a much better understanding of the mathematics. 

My county is offering a training session this summer for other algebra 1 teachers from different high schools so that next year there will be at least one section of math taught with this approach at each high school across the county.  This is an exciting time for math education and math teachers in Onslow County!