Deerfield 109 recommends Amplify Desmos for K–5 after yearlong pilots; middle‑school adoption paused

District staff presented the results of a yearlong math curriculum review and recommended adopting an inquiry‑based curriculum (referred to in the presentation as Amplify/Desmos) for kindergarten through fifth grade after pilots across the district.

The district described a multi-step evaluation: a 22‑member curriculum committee, 48 K–5 pilot classrooms, 60 staff who piloted materials, and surveys of approximately 410 students who participated in pilot classrooms. The presenters said pilot teachers and students reported increased engagement and that the district had unanimous consensus among the pilot group that the recommendation would move the district in the intended direction.

Math curriculum specialist Sarah Hogan illustrated a sample fifth‑grade lesson that emphasizes inquiry, paired and group work, and a synthesis segment in which teachers confirm student reasoning. Hogan said the model “allows students to take a problem‑based activity and then later [offers] direct instruction” and that the “knowledge construction starts with the kids.” Pilot teacher Catherine Rogers told the board the approach is a change for teachers and that professional development will be required.

The district also reported a different approach for middle school: after piloting secondary resources, middle‑school educators concluded the piloted materials did not align with the district’s vision. The district will recontract with its current middle‑school resource, Big Ideas, for one year, provide Building Thinking Classrooms professional learning for 6–8 teachers this fall, and reexamine secondary curricular materials in December with possible spring piloting.

On implementation, staff said the elementary adoption will include curricular maps, materials acquisition, and multiple professional‑development opportunities (August, early start, and throughout fall). The elementary curriculum includes digital components (estimated by staff at about 20 percent of lessons designed to be digital) but all lessons can be delivered with paper and pencil, staff said. Supplemental tools such as IXL and ST Math will remain available. The district did not present a formal adoption vote at the June 17 meeting; the presentation was informational and next steps will follow through the curriculum office and future board action if required.