CM Math Fluency Program

A Structured Approach to Basic Math Fact Fluency

Canon-McMillan believes every student can be successful in mathematics. Basic math fact fluency is an important foundation for success in mathematics. A strong foundation in basic fact fluency begins in elementary school and continues through intermediate school. We want every student to be fluent with their basic facts when they transition to middle school.

Beginning the 2026-2027 school year, a structured approach will be taken to help students develop and strengthen their basic math fact fluency in grades K-6 using enVision+ Mathematics along with a variety of print materials and games. This structured approach will include explicit instruction, opportunities for daily practice, and progress monitoring throughout the school year to determine students’ mastery of basic facts.

Research continues to highlight that practicing basic facts on the computer is not effective, especially if students have not mastered the facts. Therefore, elementary and online programs like Reflex Math or IXL will not be used to practice basic math facts.

Math Fact Fluency
Math fact fluency is students' ability to quickly recall addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division math facts. The goal is for students to be able to automatically recall basic math facts in two seconds or less (30 problems in one minute). Knowing basic math facts is an essential skill that every student needs to establish a strong foundation. Although we want every student to be able to recall their facts quickly, we understand that students learn at different rates, require more practice, or have difficulty memorizing facts. Therefore, a blended approach that includes strategy instruction and opportunities for daily practice will meet the needs of all students.

Developing Fact Fluency
Through a blended approach consisting of (1) conceptual learning, (2) fact strategies, and (3) memorization of basic facts; teachers will provide students with a strong foundation to support fact fluency development by guiding students through the following stages:

1. Conceptual Learning

Students will learn the meaning of the operations so they understand the “why” behind the mathematical concepts.
Teachers will provide students with hands-on opportunities with manipulatives and models to develop their understanding.

2. Fact Strategies

Strategies like (e.g. making ten, doubles, near doubles) will be explicitly taught through modeling and guided practice.
Independent and peer to peer opportunities will be provided to practice and apply these strategies.
Students will use a variety of manipulatives and models to practice.
Students will explain the different strategies they used and explain their response.

3. Memorization of Basic Math Facts

Teachers will provide students with daily basic fact practice through fun and engaging opportunities using games, printed materials, oral recall sessions, etc.

On the right, you can learn more about our structured approach to helping students build a strong math fluency foundation.

CM Math Fact Fluency

Instructional Approach

Fact fluency instruction will follow the district's I Do, We Do, You Do instructional framework. Using enVision+ Mathematics, teachers first explicitly model number relationships and efficient strategies using visuals, manipulatives and math talks. Students then practice strategies with teacher guidance before selecting and applying strategies independently. Purposeful independent practice helps students recall basic facts automatically.

Dedicated Practice

Across our K-6 classrooms, students engage in daily fact fluency practice during their mathematics block. Practice is structured by connecting to the strategies students are learning. Daily practice sessions are short (i.e., 5-10 minutes) and include a variety of methods such as teacher modeling, guided practice, partner activities, paper-based games, independent/whole class retrieval activities.

Engaging Games

Building and strengthening basic fact fluency will be achieved through a variety of collaborative games, hands-on activities, and teacher-led activities. Students will not use screen-based programs; instead, teachers will prioritize face-to-face interactions. Through engaging and fun learning experiences, students will practice solving problems while learning how to apply efficient strategies that will lead to automatic recall of basic math facts.

Grade Level Fluency Expectations

Fact fluency develops progressively across the elementary and intermediate grades. By the end of the year:

Kindergarten: Fluently add and subtract within 5 using objects, drawings, and number relationships.
First Grade: Recall addition and subtraction facts within 10.
Second Grade: Recall addition and subtraction facts within 20.
Third Grade: Recall all multiplication facts through 10 x 10 and division facts to 100.
Fourth Grade: Recall multiplication and division facts within 100.
Fifth Grade: Practice and maintain fluency of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts.
Sixth Grade: Practice and maintain fluency of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts.

Monitoring Fact Fluency

Throughout the school year, students’ progress with basic math fact fluency will be monitored using brief non-graded fluency probes administered by their math teacher. These short, one or two minute assessments will provide teachers with a quick snapshot of students’ attainment with basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts, based on each grade level’s expectations. Teachers will use the results, along with daily classroom observations, to guide instruction and help students recall basic math facts accurately, efficiently and flexibly.

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