School committee selects Envision math curriculum over Eureka Squared for student engagement

The Shawnee Heights Board of Education meeting on May 19, 2025, focused on the evaluation of math curriculum resources, specifically comparing the Envision and Eureka Squared programs. Teachers shared their insights on the effectiveness and rigor of these programs, highlighting key differences that could impact student learning.

One teacher noted that while students initially preferred Envision, they found the assessments to be more challenging compared to Eureka Squared. The teacher expressed concerns about the rigor of Eureka Squared, particularly in areas such as line plots, where students were not required to find common denominators, a skill they would need for state assessments. However, students reported feeling better prepared for tests due to the comprehensive practice materials provided by Envision.

The committee also praised Envision for its robust parent resources, which include guides and videos that help parents understand the curriculum and support their children’s learning at home. This feature was seen as a significant advantage over Eureka Squared. Additionally, Envision offers materials in multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for non-English speaking families.

Board member Rosa commended the extensive involvement of teachers in the curriculum review process, acknowledging the dedication and effort put forth by the committee. She emphasized the importance of having educators from various backgrounds contribute to the decision-making, which fosters a deeper understanding of the curriculum's impact on student learning.

The meeting concluded with a strong endorsement of the Envision program as the preferred choice for the district's math curriculum, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance educational outcomes for students across all grade levels. The board plans to implement training for teachers to effectively utilize the new resources in the upcoming school year.