3. Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.

In the halls where tiny things with massive impacts are celebrated, the decimal point holds an important place, and rightly so. Decimal points, after all, bring together whole numbers and fractions of numbers, making decimals pretty much invincible—and all students who master them invincible, too.

Sixth grade isn't the first time students have to deal with decimals, and it certainly won't be the last—which is why this standard exists. At this stage in the game, we expect students to have a solid enough understanding of decimals and the four basic operations to apply the standard algorithm for each one and perform calculations with them fluently.

Hold up. That means student have to (1) be comfortable with multi-digit decimals, (2) use the standard algorithms for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and (3) do so fluently.

Yeah, it's pretty straightforward. When in doubt, the "standard algorithm" is the way you learned to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. You know, lining up the decimal points for addition and subtraction, multiplying while ignoring the decimals and adding them in at the end, and using long division. (There's a reason it's called "standard," people.)

Assuming students are already familiar with place value and the standard algorithms when performing operations with whole numbers, sticking a decimal point into the mix shouldn't be too complicated—especially since students have most likely seen this before. If nothing else, it's just a matter of practice, practice, and yes, even more practice.