FAQs

The BeCALM series covers 7 math topics: Number Sense, Operation Sense, Geometry, Multiplication Concepts, Division Concepts, Measurement and Data, and Benchmark Fractions. Each set of materials for a topic includes a Teacher Guide and Student Packet; some include additional downloadable materials. The materials also include math routines, conceptual activities, practice activities, language support, application tasks, exit tickets, and evaluation sheets.

The content in CCRSAE Level A (GLE K-1) is a foundation for everything that comes later. For example, place value in two-digit numbers and addition and subtraction within 20 are contained in CCRSAE Level A. BeCALM does not address this foundational level. For suggestions on working with numeracy-level math students (GLE<2, corresponding to CCRSAE level A), see Meeting the Needs of Numeracy Level Math Students (GLE<2).

With the exception of Measurement and Data, all of the BeCALM materials are remote-ready. The Measurement and Data materials recommended for in-person classrooms.

All of the BeCALM materials are currently available in English and Spanish.

The entire BeCALM curriculum was developed and piloted by Melissa Braaten of the SABES Math Team. Melissa is a Boston-area instructor, curriculum developer, and professional development facilitator.

The SABES Math Team is managed by the Adult Numeracy Center at TERC. Our mission is to help adults and young adults understand how math is present and relevant in everyday life, and how they can use this knowledge to improve their lives and communities. Together with state and organizational partners we build capacity to offer high quality math instruction in adult learning centers, schools, community colleges, corrections education, and informal settings.

The four number and operation sense titles are designed to build on each other sequentially. They are:

1. Number Sense
2. Operation Sense
3. Multiplication Concepts
4. Division Concepts

The other three titles (Geometry, Measurement and Data, Benchmark Fractions) can fit anywhere in a beginning math curriculum.

These four topics are designed to take about 48 hours of class time, each:

• Number Sense
• Operation Sense
• Multiplication Concepts
• Division Concepts

These three topics are designed to take about 24 hours of class time, each:

• Geometry
• Measurement and Data
• Benchmark Fractions*

*Could be extended to 36 hours depending on the level of the class.

No. We have provided a comprehensive model. You make decisions about what to cover, and at what pace, depending on the students in your class.

Building conceptual understanding takes time, and just because a math concept is “foundational” doesn’t mean that it is easy or quick to learn. Many beginning level math learners have had previous instruction in math that didn’t work for them. It is also common for students at this level to have indicators of learning challenges and disabilities, whether they have a diagnosis or not. BeCALM is designed to give these learners an accessible, multi-sensory, conceptual learning experience so that they can be successful this time.

• Have students with good attendance achieved most of the goals?
• Are students independently using the new conceptual tools?
• Are the students or teacher weary of the topic?
• Is there a semester break or vacation coming up that would provide a natural time to start a new topic?

Answering yes to these questions means it may make sense to move on, even if the teacher has not completed every lesson in a BeCALM title. It is better to make a conscious decision to move on, rather than trying to rush through concepts or short-cutting by simply teaching procedures.

Any math curriculum will have better results with managed enrollment.  The content in BeCALM is designed to repeat and cycle, which can help with irregular attendance and staggered start dates that are common in adult education.

A well-designed curriculum and good teaching strategies can differentiate instruction for students within a span of a couple of grade levels, and accommodate for the different pace at which students learn.  No curriculum is appropriate for all students.  BeCALM is designed to accommodate students who need instruction in math at GLE 2-4 (CCRSAE B/C); it will not meet the needs of students who are well outside of that range.

BeCALM is for adult math students at GLE 2-4. BeCALM is not for adult students at GLE K-1 / CCRSAE Level A, who need to develop beginning-level math skills, such as accurate methods for counting, an understanding of how numbers can be created with tens and ones, or single digit addition and subtraction. For more information on teaching at the Numeracy level, please read our blog post, Meeting the Needs of Numeracy-Level Math Students (GLE<2). Students at GLE 5+ are fully ready for CALM (Curriculum for Adults Learning Math).

The text in BeCALM was reviewed for accessibility for English language learners, and most of the materials contain additional language support around vocabulary and grammar specific to math that is challenging for ELs and native speakers alike.

The Adult Numeracy Center provides the following professional development for teachers looking to integrate BeCALM into their curriculum:

• Introduction to BeCALM (self-paced online course)
• BeCALM Number Sense (facilitated online workshop)
• BeCALM Operation Sense (facilitated online workshop)
• BeCALM Multiplication Concepts (facilitated online workshop)
• BeCALM Division Concepts (facilitated online workshop)
• BeCALM Geometry (facilitated online workshop)
• BeCALM Measurement and Data (facilitated online workshop)
• BeCALM Benchmark Fractions (facilitated online workshop)

Also recommended:

• Teaching Word Problems to Beginning Math Learners (facilitated online workshop)
• Numeracy Routines That Develop Language (facilitated online workshop)

Teachers in Massachusetts can attend any of these events at no cost. Check the SABES Calendar for dates and times and to register for available workshops.

Educators from other states can reach out to the Adult Numeracy Center (adultnumeracy@terc.edu) to schedule on-demand trainings. All of the trainings above are available following a fee-for-service model.

The teacher guides and student packets are downloadable and printable and can be used in any setting.

Many of the Teacher Guides provide suggestions for alternatives in correctional settings. Most of the recommended manipulatives can be printed on paper and cut out if commercial manipulatives or the appropriate realia are not available. Some activities also suggest virtual alternatives.

Please contact us at adultnumeracy@terc.edu.

Yes! According to ACLS Curriculum and Instruction Policy, there are two main requirements of mathematics curricula: CCRSAE alignment, and Digital Literacy integration and application. In addition, effective implementation of a mathematics curriculum requires incorporating the Standards for Mathematical Practice, and teaching with Focus, Coherence, and Rigor – the key instructional shifts outlined in the CCRSAE for Mathematics.

• BeCALM is fully aligned with the CCRSAE for Mathematics.
• Various BeCALM units contain suggestions for digital practice or enrichment activities, and application projects provide additional opportunities for digital literacy instruction/application.
• BeCALM incorporates the Standards for Mathematical Practice outlined in the CCRSAE.
• The BeCALM Teacher Guides include support for teaching with Focus, Coherence, and Rigor.

The MAPT math test was aligned with the CCRSAE standards in consultation with the Adult Numeracy Center, among others. The content in BeCALM addresses the same CCRSAE standards as the MAPT math questions at the NRS EFL (National Reporting System Educational Functioning Level) Beginning Basic (200’s) and Low Intermediate (300’s).