IfSR - Additive thinking

The Interview for Student Reasoning - Additive thinking (IfSR-AT) is the second of a series of on-demand assessments that enables teachers to hear and see how students apply their mathematical understandings of additive thinking. IfSR-AT is divided into four sections:

  • Section 1: Flexible additive strategies with combinations to 10
  • Section 2: Flexible additive strategies with two-digit numbers
  • Section 3: Flexible additive strategies with three-digit numbers
  • Section 4: Flexible additive strategies with decimals

More information on each section is available below.

Assessment guide and materials

The Assessment guide and student materials document (PDF 2265KB) (staff only) supports teachers to administer the assessment.

The first part of the manual outlines:

  • the purpose of the assessment;
  • details on how to prepare for, administer and lodge the assessment and;
  • a summary of related syllabus outcomes and links to the National Numeracy Learning Progression.

The second part of the manual details the materials required for each of the four sections for the assessment. Templates for printable resources are available in separate section documents below.

A complete paper version of the assessment items is also available for download if required (PDF 507KB) (staff only).

Section 1: Flexible additive strategies with combinations to 10

Flexible additive strategies with combinations to 10 are characterised by using known facts, strategically partitioning and using landmark numbers in this range. When working towards Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 outcomes, students use concrete materials and mental strategies to model and solve additive situations.

Download Section 1: Flexible additive strategies with combinations to 10 - material and printable resources (PDF 276KB) (staff only).

Section 2: Flexible additive strategies with two-digit numbers

Flexible strategies with two-digit numbers are characterised by using known facts, strategically partitioning and using landmark numbers in this range. When working towards Stage 1 outcomes, students represent and solve additive situations using a range of efficient mental strategies.

Download Section 2: Flexible additive strategies with two-digit numbers - materials and printable resources (PDF 447KB) (staff only).

Section 3: Flexible additive strategies with three-digit numbers

Flexible strategies with three-digit numbers are characterised by using known facts, strategically partitioning and using landmark numbers in this range. When working towards Stage 2 outcomes and beyond, students think strategically when selecting efficient strategies for different additive situations.  

Download Section 3: Flexible additive strategies with three-digit numbers - materials and printable resources (PDF 524KB) (staff only).

Section 4: Flexible additive strategies with decimals

Flexible additive strategies with decimals are characterised by the application and extension of whole number place value knowledge, using known facts, strategically partitioning and using landmark numbers involving decimals. When working towards Stage 3 outcomes and beyond, students think strategically when selecting efficient strategies for different additive situations involving decimals.

Download Section 4: Flexible additive strategies with decimals - materials and printable resources (PDF 500KB) (staff only).

Online tool

Teachers administer the assessment using the online tool for entering student responses. The online tool is available via ALAN.

Multi-select response feature

An additional feature in IfSR-AT enables teachers to select multiple flexible strategies to acknowledge students’ thinking. This feature is available in section 2, 3 and 4.

When a teacher selects one or more strategies from the list, the information is recorded in the Student Assessment Analysis. This allows teachers to analyse the range of flexible strategies students are using, and to make informed decisions about next steps for each student. This can also assist in identifying if there is an over reliance on some strategies.

This short preparation video 'How to navigate the online assessment' helps teachers familiarise themselves with the online tool.

Note: this video will be updated in Term 1, 2023 to align to the new NSW Mathematics K-2 syllabus (2022), version 3 of the National Numeracy Progression (2020) and changes in the online tool.

Navigating IfSR Additive thinking (IfSR-AT)


The ALAN helpdesk has solutions for all ‘How to' questions for administering the assessment

Professional learning

Becoming mathematicians: flexible additive thinking

This professional learning video and accompanying resources examines the critical components in the development of students' knowledge and understanding of additive thinking, including:

  • thinking flexibly about numbers
  • thinking flexibly about the operations
  • using benchmarks
  • foundational facts.

Access 'Becoming mathematicians: flexible additive thinking' via MyPL (course code NR34801).

For related professional learning options, see the IfSR-Number and place value web page.

Improving reading and numeracy course: Additive thinking (K-8)

This professional learning course supports teachers to understand and implement evidence-based teaching strategies for additive thinking and access, adapt and implement universal resources to support effective teaching practice.

  • Access ‘Improving reading & numeracy: Additive thinking (K-8)' via MyPL (course code NR31670).


Additional resources

Flexible strategies (in four parts)

Resources supporting the evidence-based teaching of numeracy more broadly are available via:

Support

Visit the Interview for student reasoning web page for information on the purpose of the assessment.

Visit the Literacy and numeracy professional learning web page for more professional learning opportunities in the practical application of evidence-based teaching of numeracy.

Visit the ALAN helpdesk for solutions relating to administering the assessment.

Join the Interview for Student Reasoning channel in the Numeracy NSW statewide staffroom in MS Teams.

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