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Why ...

is my child doing math they already know how to do?
are there no multiple choice questions?
does Dreambox present problems in a way my child isn’t used to?

Orange City Schools 2020-2021

Why is my child doing math they already know how to do?

-you may find during the intital 60 minutes that your student uses the program, that there will be some problems and concepts that your student has already mastered, this is okay the program is adaptive and will tke about 60 minutes to pinpoint your student’s current math understanding to then develop a personalized pathway to accelerate and deepen their math learning. The program runs over 60 analytics with every click your student makes to pinpoint their understanding to then produce the next best fit question that either helps the student to learn the concept, to uncover their misunderstanding, or to stretch their thinking. It is for this reason that you should refrain from assisting or teaching the math concepts to your students so that the program can create a pathway that is a best for your student.

Why are there no multiple choice questions on Dreambox?

-Dreambox is focused on supporting students in developing a deep understanding in mathematics which we know comes though the ability to use visual representations and math models. These instructional strategies are asking students to develop critical thinking, problem solving and really understanding the why of math concepts rather than just the how of using an algorithm, rule or shortcut.

Why does Dreambox present problems in a way my child isn’t used to?

We find that many students are able to use algorithms they have memorized, for example they know the rule/method for how to add two, two digit numbers without really ever understanding what is happening mathematically- and mathematically they are moving and combining quantities based on place value understanding rather than simply crossing out and moving a number over to carry, and futher they don’t why the rule makes sense. Making the mathematics visible by using models is for some students a new way to see the math problem. We find that students who can use rules and memorize algorithmis sometimes end up saying why can’t I just type the answer, why do I have to show my answer on the model. If you hear this from your student, encourage them to have a growth mindset and think about the problem differently, to think about being a sense maker in math rather than a rule follower or memorizer. The math standards in K-12 for the state of Ohio include that students should be able to make sense of and use visual math models.

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How...

does dreambox push my student forward when they excel in math?
does dreambox support my student that struggles in math?
can I support my student when they are stuck in Dreambox and do not know what to do?
much time should my child be spending on Dreambox?

Orange City Schools 2020-2021

How does dreambox push my student forward when they excel in math?

- Dreambox has three platforms, K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Students are automatically accelerated in various math domains as they master critical content. For example a 3rd grader may excel in the domain of Operations and Algebraic Thinking, this student would then be given 4th grade level content for that domain. Dreambox can accelerate a student all the way to high school Algebra concepts. Please note, however that it is possible for a student to accelerate in one domain-such as Operations and Algebraic Thinking and then to be on grade level in another, such as Number and Operations-Fractions, and to also be working to fill some gaps in learning from prior years in yet another domain, such as Measurement and Data.

How does dreambox support my student that struggles in math?

-Dreambox pinpoints the exact misunderstanding and identifies what support the student needs. The program alerts teachers to any concepts in which students have attempted a lesson 3-5 times and are still showing signs of not understanding. Teachers can then identify the best way to support the student. This support can be offered in many ways: it can be as simple as having a conversation with the student, or working on a few problems together or it could mean that some more intensive support is needed, such as some 1-1 or small group sessions with either the classroom teacher or an interventionist. The teacher could also create a specific assignment for the student to complete in Dreambox that focuses on that particular concept. Dreambox would then track the student’s understanding in small increments over time.

How can I support my student when they are stuck in Dreambox and do not know what to do?

-Getting stuck is a difficult feeling for many students, whether it is stuck because of not understanding the math, or not being able to use the math tool on the screen or even not understanding what the question is asking. Encourage your student to stick with it and not to give up. Refrain from giving them answers or doing any teaching. Learning is sometimes a difficult process and requires productive struggle for the learner to really understand and internalize the learning. If you lessen their struggle or solve the struggle for them, you’ve taken away an opportunity for them to develop perserverance and for them to get that surge of pride and accomplishment once they figure out the process or concept. It is a balance however, we want the struggle to be productive, we do not want students shutting down or dealing with stress and anxiety. In some cases we have to help our students develop tools to cope with and overcome this struggle, and in other cases we have to recognize that the struggle is no longer productive. Reach out to your student’s teacher if you feel as if their struggle is no longer productive and together figure out a plan to best support the student mathematically and in developing perserverence. �

How much time should my child be spending on Dreambox?

Dreambox encourages students to complete a minimum of 5 lessons weekly. There is no suggested time allotment, however you can estimate that it will take students roughly 5-15 minutes per lesson. An independent study from Harvard found that completing 5 lessons a week on Dreambox significantly increases a students math achievement.

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How will I know my student’s progress?

Creating a parent account

You will need our unique School Url when you start this process! Also be sure to select Ohio Math Standards when you set up your account.

BMS -School URL: https://play.dreambox.com/login/syj7/cvj2
MHS-School URL: https://play.dreambox.com/login/syj7/er6s

Dreambox Parent Reports information

Teacher updates

Orange City Schools 2020-2021

Have a Dreambox question that wasn’t answered? Please submit it here !

How will I know my student’s progress?

Dreambox does allow parents to create a parent dashboard to view student progress. Please use the link on the slide to get more information about how to set up your account.

Additionally, there are parent reports avaialbe once you have created your account, for more information and the types of reports you can see, please use the link on the slide.

Lastly, teachers are also monitoring student progress and using this information as another data point to help them design personalized instruction for your student. Many times teachers are collaborating to develop this personalized instruction, consulting colleagues, coaches, inteventionists and gifted intervention specialists as well.

Hopefully this presentation answered some of the quesitons that you might have had about Dreambox. If you find that you have question that were not answered, please use the form on this slide and we will get back to you.

We sincerely value your partnership in educating students!

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How...

did Dreambox usage impact MHS students math achievement last year?

Orange City Schools 2020-2021

How did dreambox usage impact MHS students math acheivement last year?

It was our first year using Dreambox at MHS last year. Many have asked us, well how did it go? Did it really help students? Our answer is a resounding yes!!!

MHS students that on avearge completed more than 5 lessons weekly, acceleraated and grew more than two full school years in their math achievement! WOW! This 136% more growth than their peers who completed 2-5 lessons weekly! So does this mean my 3rd grader can jump to 5th grade math, no necessarily, what it means is that your 3rd grader filled in gaps in their math underdstanding of previous grade levels, not the did you memorize that rule kind of gaps but the do you know why the math is this way kind of gaps, it means that they worked through 3rd grade content and most likely begain working through some fourth grade content.

But if don’t take our word for it, an indpendent Harvard study on Dreambox confirmed that DreamBox progress is positively associated with achievement gains on state tests and interim assessments.

So be sure to you encourage your students to keep learning and challening themselves on Dreambox! Because Dreambox combined with our amazing teachers is a winning combination!

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