District updates board on California math framework, CGI instruction and STEAM plus programming
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Summary
District staff reviewed the California Mathematics Framework, cognitively guided instruction (CGI) practices and said the district will pilot curriculum options after the state approves publishers; staff also described STEAM plus staffing, minutes-per-week expectations and student experiences.
District math and instructional leaders told the governing board the California Mathematics Framework (adopted 2023) and cognitively guided instruction (CGI) inform classroom practice, and outlined next steps toward piloting curricula aligned to the framework.
Math teacher-leader Rachel Madison and district leader Allison Bieber described CGI as a research-based approach that begins with students' existing strategies, emphasizes productive struggle, student discourse and conceptual understanding before procedural instruction. Madison said sustained professional learning, math site leaders and in-class coaching support teachers in differentiating instruction.
Allison Bieber noted the state review process for curricula: dozens of curricula were submitted for state review and the California Board of Education is expected to act on vendor submissions this November; the district plans a multi-step selection process this winter and spring that will narrow options and identify pilots for classroom testing.
District data were presented to show positive outcomes. Staff reported that 83 percent of district students in grades 3—6 met or exceeded standards on the most-recent California state math assessment and cited local midyear measures showing about 80 percent meeting standards at midyear during the prior school year.
Separately, curriculum and STEAM leaders described the STEAM plus program. The district funds credentialed specialists in art, music, physical education and innovation technology and guarantees weekly minutes of STEAM-plus instruction (120 minutes for K—3, 180 minutes for grades 4—6). Staff said collaboration time for STEAM-plus teams, student voice collection and STEAM-plus nights help showcase classroom learning. Board members asked about extension for advanced students and the role of intervention teachers in serving students below grade level; staff described math intervention teachers who provide targeted small-group instruction during the school day.
Board members commended the CGI approach, asked for more specific measurable goals in site plans (SPSAs) and requested additional data in upcoming reports.