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Math and World Languages Adoptions
Elementary Math
The first Common Core aligned instructional materials available for adoption is mathematics. Last spring, the District began reviewing and selecting a core mathematics program. A team of teachers reviewed over twenty possible programs and narrowed it to three programs that were piloted this year.
Thirty LVUSD teachers piloted three math programs at all schools and with all grade levels. Throughout the year these teachers applied specific criteria to these programs. They were used with all students, including students with disabilities, to determine which program would be most effective in supporting the instruction of the Common Core State Standards.
There is no “perfect” instructional program. So much of what positively occurs in the classroom is within the instruction provided every day by teachers. With this in mind, the pilot team focused on selecting materials that provide rigorous access to the math standards for years to come. On-going professional development and teacher collaboration are vital to the successful math program implementation.
Go Math, published by Houghton Mifflin was recommended to the Curriculum Council and the Board of Education for approval and adoption for grades K-5. Unfortunately, none of the math publishers developed a specific program for our Journeys Program. The District is committed to working with the Journeys teachers and experts in transitional kindergarten to identify the best instructional program and materials for our youngest students.
All K-5 teachers will receive their teaching materials for Go Math before the end of this school year. One half-day of professional development is planned for all teachers in May and early June where teachers will be given an overview of the program and related materials. See the chart below for details.
| Dates/Times | 8-11am: 3-5 12-3pm: K-2 |
| Tuesday, May 26 | WO, WI, YB |
| Thursday, May 28 | BL, LH |
| Tuesday, June 2 | CES, RM, SU |
| 8-11am: K-2 12-3pm: 3-5 |
|
| Thursday, Sept. 10 | WO, WI, YB |
| Tuesday, Sept. 15 | BL, LH |
| Thursday, Sept. 17 | CES, RM, SU |
Student materials will be available at the beginning of the next school year. On-going professional development in math is also being planned for next year.
Several special education teachers also piloted a math intervention program. Although this program will be primarily used for those students with disabilities who need additional support, the program will also be available to all students needing this level of additional instruction in math. The program adopted is Number Worlds. These materials will be available at each school. Training for this program will occur at the beginning of the next school year.
Questions about the elementary math adoption may be directed to your principal or to Alina Silvestre.
Algebra I
Last year, middle schools adopted the math program for grades 6-8. This year, Algebra teachers had the opportunity to pilot new materials for Algebra 1. In January, a recommendation for Algebra I was determined by teachers currently teaching Algebra. The program that was recommended was McGraw Hill Algebra I. This program has been approved by the Curriculum Council and the Board of Education.
Algebra I teachers from both the high schools and the middle schools will receive a full day training at the end of May where they will receive instructional materials. Half of the day will be focused on the print materials available and the other half of the day will focus on the technology components of the program.
Algebra I training will be held May 21. Information on specific times will follow.
All student materials for Algebra I will be available at the beginning of next school year. Other math courses such as Geometry, Algebra II, and Calculus will have the opportunity for teachers to review and/or pilot materials next year for these courses.
Teachers who have questions about the Algebra I adoption should contact their department chairs or Karen Lagola.
World Languages Update
World languages is an important aspect of preparing students to be 21st Century learners. To this end, world language teachers had the opportunity to pilot and select new instructional materials in Spanish and Chinese. These programs have been approved and adopted by the Curriculum Council and the Board of Education and will be ready for classroom use next school year.
World language teachers have been receiving professional development from the publisher and exploring the extensive technology component. Plans with the publisher will be made to continue to provide world language teachers ongoing support.
For more information on the world language adoption, contact Patrick Miller (AE Wright) or the world language department chairs.
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