ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides math educators with tools and resources targeting the varying needs of their students within five content standards of mathematics: number and operations, algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement and data analysis and probability. It describes formative assessment and highlights the impact of the process on student performance. The formative assessment drives mathematics instruction and is a key component in response to intervention. Without formative assessment, lesson planning is focused solely on curriculum with little regard for student's explicit academic needs. Effective formative assessment occurs simultaneously with instruction for the purpose of improving student's knowledge and performance in mathematics. When formative assessment is implemented properly, students learn what is being taught to a substantially greater degree. Teachers' regular use of formative assessment improves their student's learning, especially if teachers have additional guidance on using the assessment to design and individualize instruction.
