Foundations of Algebra

Foundations of Algebra focuses on the verbalization and justification of generalizations about the behavior of math operations in elementary-grade classrooms. Such a focus prepares students for algebra at the same time that it supports the development of computational fluency.

The project consists of three stages:

• Experienced teacher-writers will produce readable and informative accounts of their work with students as they develop, represent, and justify general claims across a full school year.
• These accounts will form the basis of a book that addresses the following: 1) What such general claims are; 2) How the claims can be introduced into elementary classrooms; 3) The nature of proof at this level; 4) How this work supports the range of learners, including both students who excel in computation and those who struggle
• The book, in turn, will form the basis of an online course, which will be piloted and field tested.