Antigo schools pick Illustrative Math for K–5 after year-long pilot

The Unified School District of Antigo adopted Illustrative Mathematics as its new kindergarten through fifth-grade curriculum after a yearlong pilot, and the board approved a purchase of $95,623.20.

Jolene Keppel, district elementary math coach, summarized the selection process and pilot results, saying staff observed “on average, 90% or more of students were actively engaged in math.” Keppel and presenting teachers told the board the resource emphasized hands-on learning, manipulatives, discussion and written explanation of reasoning, and strong alignment with Wisconsin’s revised math standards.

Classroom examples were presented. A kindergarten-to-fifth-grade teacher described a typical lesson where students discussed multiple representations of numbers, worked in pairs or small groups on short activities and then completed an individual “cool down” problem to check mastery. “Students are using multiple strategies,” Keppel said, and teachers reported students began using mathematical vocabulary earlier in the year than under the previous resource.

Board member Jill (motion maker) thanked the pilot team and noted additional, smaller costs may follow for add-on materials or vendor pricing through alternate vendors; the board was told a later vote could be required for those additions. The motion to purchase Illustrative Math for K–5 in the amount of $95,623.20 carried.

Administrators said professional development and materials rollout will follow the purchase; the district will continue to align instruction and assessments with the new resource.