Working with a team of district leaders, parents and students, the district is considering two math programs for students in elementary school to continue the consistency of material from class to class and grade to grade from elementary to middle school to high school. The two math programs to review are the McGraw Hill “Math Connects” and the Houghton Mifflin Program “Math Expressions.”
The Curriculum and Instruction office invites parents and staff members to review two math programs under consideration for use in district elementary schools. Both programs are approved by the state and are closely aligned with the new math state standards. This public review will take place on Monday, April 26, from 3–6 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, from 3–8 p.m., and Wednesday, April 28, from 12–8 p.m., at Tacoma’s Professional Development Center at 6501 N. 23rd St., Room 10.
Staff, parents and community will have the chance to go through each set of recommended materials and rate them using a scoring tool that will be provided to them. This input will help the district make a responsible decision about the new math programs for elementary students to present to the school district’s board members at the May 13 board meeting.
“The district’s primary goal is success for all students. Aligning the learning opportunities for students with the state’s mathematics standards will allow the district to accomplish this goal,” said Superintendent Art Jarvis.
More considerations for student success:
- Implement consistent teaching practices among all teachers with the help of math coaches and professional educational development.
- Provide instructional materials to parents so they can help their children with basic math skills.
- Incorporate regular assessments that inform teachers about student’s learning needs.
- Provide extra time and extra instruction for students who need it to meet state standards on assessment exams.
Additional information can be found on the district’s Web site at www.tacomaschools.org or by calling the Public Information Office at 253-571-015.