Goal setting is a major part of the successful implementation of the Mathematics Pentathlon Program. KEY goals to consider are listed below.

GOAL SETTING CONSIDERATIONS:

• What is the maximum number of students you will be teaching at one time?
This directly relates to the size of game set you will need to purchase..


• When will you attend the training presented by the Pentathlon Institute? The Pentathlon Institute provides training to optimize the instructional use of the program (prerequisites, curriculum, and assessment connections). To launch a successful program, make plans to attend a formal training given by the Pentathlon Institute.

• Where are your students going to learn the games?
  • You will need to have flat-top tables or level desks on which to play the games or use floor space.
  • Make sure the location you select can easily support the size you are targeting.
  • Suggested locations include: Classroom, Library, Media Center, Artroom, Cafeteria, etc.
  
  
  
• How much time should a teacher allot for each lesson? To implement the program properly an educator would include lessons out of "Adventures in Problem Solving" and Investigation Exercises". The lessons in these resources vary in time. For game play see suggested times below.
• Division I (Kindergarten & 1st Grade) 30 - 40 minutes per session
• Division II (2nd and 3rd Grade) 40 - 50 minutes per session
• Division III (4th and 5th Grade) 45 - 60 minutes per session
• Division IV (6th and 7th Grade) 45 - 60 minutes per session



• How much funding is needed for the first year of implementation? To answer this question you will need to refer to the Materials & Cost section located in the left menu. NOTE: Materials (Games and Professional Manuals) are non-consumable which means once you purchase an item, that item can be used from year to year. (exception: rule manuals which are updated every 6 to 10 years)



• What unexpected charges may my classroom incur?
• Lamination ~ Although the boards come with a protective coat, many teachers laminate them for extra protection.
• Minimal Copying ~ Some lessons out of teaching resources require copying. Like the gameboards, many of the copies can be used for many years.
• Supplies ~ Extra scratch paper, scissors, pencils, markers, etc.
• Tournament Fee ~ If you are wanting some or all of your students to go to a national tournament this fee is usually covered by the parents or PTA/PTO. This fee should NOT come out of your classroom budget.
• Extra Sets of Game Pieces ~ Many of the game pieces used in the Math Pentathlon games are common classroom materials. However, you may wish to purchase some extra sets just in case of loss.