Duarte Unified expands Math Literacy Project, approves professional-development contract funded by LCAP

The Duarte Unified School District board approved two consent items to continue and expand the Math Literacy Project partnership with Village Life Education. The board approved the professional-development contract and a related item by recorded votes of 4–0.

District staff described the Math Literacy Project as a culturally relevant, hands-on math program that pairs after-school extended-learning activities with classroom strategies. Doctor Lawson said the district will add professional development for math teachers in grades 6–12 so that classroom teachers can implement techniques districtwide. Doctor Kirkwood, the Math Literacy Project consultant, described hands-on activities used in the program — including a “Barbie Bungee Jump” data-analysis exercise, lessons on early Mesoamerican number systems, MIT Scratch coding for younger students, engineering projects such as biomechanical hands and solar-powered cars, and college outreach by Cal Poly Pomona — and said students and parents sought an expanded schedule after a successful pilot year.

Board members asked about funding; Doctor Lawson said the district will pay from LCAP supplemental and concentration funds. The board voted to approve both related consent items (identified in the meeting as items 9 and 10) by motions recorded in the transcript: item 9 was moved by Board member Reyes and seconded by Board member Hasso; item 10 was moved by Board member Reyes and seconded by Board member Olguin. Both items passed 4–0. District staff said the program will be offered at all sites and that classroom teachers will receive ongoing professional development, including weekly check-ins with program staff.

The presentation emphasized that the program is in its second year in the district and that materials and lesson plans are provided to the district as part of the contract.