Western Governors University

D699: Elementary Mathematics Curriculum

The graduate-program version of WGU's elementary maths content course, covering number, geometry, measurement and data.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

D699 appears to be the Master of Arts in Teaching version of Elementary Mathematics Curriculum.

The MAT guidebook lists it at 2 competency units in the fourth term; the bachelor's guide lists 3. WGU describes the course as covering numbers, operations and algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, data, statistics and probability.

MAT candidates often come from non-maths backgrounds and may not have thought about elementary maths since school. The course expects not only correct answers but clear explanations, using models, and a close reading of content standards.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversityWestern Governors University (WGU)
Course codeD699 (graduate-program version)
LevelMaster of Arts in Teaching, elementary education
Size2 competency units in the MAT guidebook
Subject areaElementary maths content
Work typeExplanations and standards analysis (confirm on your course page)

What D699 Covers

Competency (WGU wording, summarized)What it means in practice
Analyses elementary content standards and resources in mathematicsReading standards and checking resources for alignment
Explains data, statistics and probability conceptsRepresenting and interpreting data, chance
Explains geometry and measurement conceptsShapes, attributes, area, units
Explains numbers, operations and algebraic thinking conceptsPlace value, operations, fractions, patterns

Key Concepts Explained

Place Value and Regrouping

Example: To subtract 52 - 27, regroup one ten into ten ones: 52 becomes 4 tens and 12 ones. Then 12 - 7 = 5 and 4 tens - 2 tens = 2 tens, so the answer is 25. A base-ten drawing shows why the "borrowing" works.

Fractions on a Number Line

Seeing 3/4 as a point three quarter-lengths from zero helps children treat fractions as numbers, not just parts of shapes.

Area as Covering

Example: A rectangle 4 units by 6 units can be tiled by 4 rows of 6 squares, so its area is 24 square units. Multiplication is the quick way of counting equal rows.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

Work typeWhat it testsHow to approach it
Standards and resource analysisAlignmentQuote the standard, state what mastery looks like, evaluate the resource
Concept explanationUnderstandingModel plus a sentence of reasoning
Justified solutionsAccuracyShow the steps and why each is valid

A Study Approach for the MAT Pace

  1. Start with the domain you find weakest.
  2. For each concept, write an explanation, a picture and a common error.
  3. Apply the same routine to a standard from each domain.

Where Students Get Stuck

Planning Table

DomainCore ideaCommon error
NumbersPlace value structureReversing digits when regrouping
GeometryAttributes define shapesJudging by orientation
DataRepresentation shows patternMisreading scales

Unpacking a Standard

Standards are compact, so unpack them in four steps: underline the verbs, circle the content, restate the idea in plain words and describe what evidence of mastery would look like. This routine turns a one-line standard into something you can plan and assess against.

Example: A standard asking pupils to solve problems involving perimeter becomes: pupils understand that perimeter is the distance around a shape. Evidence: a pupil measures each side of a rectangle, adds them and labels the answer in units, then explains why the unit is length, not square units.

Evaluating a Resource

When asked to evaluate a resource, check four things. Does it teach the idea the standard names? Does it use models and visuals? Is its language clear for the grade? Can all learners access it? A resource that gives only a procedure for a standard about understanding is a weak match.

Misconceptions to Know by Domain

DomainCommon misconceptionFix
FractionsA bigger denominator means a bigger fractionCompare unit fractions with strips
OperationsMultiplication always makes biggerTry multiplying by 1/2 with a model
MeasurementLength and area are the sameTile a shape and compare with a ruler
DataThe tallest bar is always the answerRead the scale and the question

Listing misconceptions shows evaluators you understand how children think, which is the heart of an explain-the-concept competency.

A Final Check Before You Submit

Study Tips for D699

How We Help with D699

Send the task, rubric and the topics you find hardest. A tutor can explain concepts, review your explanations, or prepare model examples on other topics. See our education assignment help guide for wider support.

GradeEssays is independent of Western Governors University. We provide study support, model references and editing of your own work. You complete and submit your own work under WGU's integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch, with free revisions within the scope of your original request and a full refund if late. No pass is promised.

Rebuild Your Maths Confidence for D699

Share the task and weak spots. We prepare worked examples at teacher level.

Start My D699 Help

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is D699 the same as D691?

Same title and competencies; the MAT guidebook lists 2 competency units against 3. Check your degree plan for your code.

Do I need strong maths skills?

You need to understand elementary maths deeply enough to explain it, which is different from advanced maths.

Is this a methods course?

No. WGU's separate methods courses cover how to teach the content.

Will standards analysis be required?

One competency covers analyzing elementary content standards and resources.

How do I explain an answer well?

Use a model, state the idea in a sentence and name a common error.

Can you complete my assessment?

No. We tutor and review your own work. You complete and submit it yourself.