Young students could have new math program next year

The School Board Monday will consider a new math curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

After a year-long study, the district's K-5 Math Leadership Team has recommended Everyday Mathematics. The Education and Policy Committee Tuesday agreed it was the best choice.

The School District has used its current math program, Trailblazers, for the past 10 years and the materials are in need of replacement.

Recommendation based on extensive study

The K-5 Math Leadership Team has been working to find a math program that offers an in-depth approach to teaching 21st Century knowledge and skills that are necessary in today's technologically-advanced society.

Throughout the past year, the Math Leadership Team reviewed 15 programs and narrowed its choices to two.  

Members visited Wisconsin schools using the two programs they favored most.

In January, sales representatives from both companies presented overviews of their programs to elementary teachers. 

Elementary teachers then submitted their choice for the program that best met the criteria established by the School District. 

Wide-scale national use

Everyday Mathematics is used by 2.8 million U.S. students. 

The program is published by Wright Group/McGraw Hill and is a core curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade 6.  

"The program is challenging, but our students are ready for that challenge," said Alice Murphy, assistant district administrator of instructional programs.

"And, reports from districts around the country that are using this program demonstrate that at-risk students -- those of lower socioeconomic status, both minority and those with limited English proficiency -- are making significant gains on state assessment tests," she said.

Connecting parents to the program  

The School District will roll out a parent communication plan if the program is approved by the School Board. 

"We will hold presentations on the new math program at each school to inform parents of this effort and give them more information on Everyday Mathematics," said Murphy. 

"It is critical that the parents of our students know what the changes are to our math curriculum and why we are making them," she said. "We feel very confident about this decision and are anxious to share even more about it."

Online extra:

Everyday Mathematics