Beloit math department reports strong second-year implementation of Eureka Math Squared, rising use of Imagine Math

Math department leaders told a Beloit School District committee on Jan. 14 that year-two implementation of the Eureka Math Squared core curriculum is showing stronger classroom fidelity and that increased use of the supplemental program Imagine Math is linked to measurable assessment gains.

The update, delivered by Dr. Kelly Groverud and Meredith Falkabbage, laid out three research-backed levers the district is using to improve math outcomes — building belonging, increasing consistency of instruction, and developing coherence among core instruction, interventions and extensions. Groverud said coaches and professional learning have been central to moving teachers from awareness to implementation.

Groverud told the Teaching, Learning, Equity & Pupil Services Committee the department conducted learning walks last year that showed increasing teacher adoption of the new materials; this year, 65% of visited classrooms fit the committee’s “implementing” category. She said middle-school pacing remains a challenge because the curriculum packs substantial content into each module.

Staff described coaching activities that include visiting classrooms, running coaching cycles with individual teachers, supporting professional learning communities and, in some cases, providing direct intervention to small student groups. Meredith Falkabbage noted the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction endorses instructional coaching and that the district’s localized data show coaching’s impact.

The department also said it has aligned tier-2 interventions to the core by redesigning Imagine Math pathways so interventions teach prerequisite skills ahead of grade-level instruction. Groverud said district analyses show Imagine Math use positively correlates with gains on district assessments (MAP) and FORWARD; the district’s current average usage exceeds internal targets (about 60 minutes per week vs. a 45-minute goal, and roughly three lessons passed per week vs. a two-lesson goal).

The presentation recommended the board consider renewing Eureka Math Squared and Imagine Math for the 2026–27 school year and continue funding coaching and professional learning time to sustain implementation. Committee members asked clarifying questions about coaching practice, peer lesson study, and how extension activities are provided for students who move ahead in the core curriculum.

No formal committee vote on curriculum adoption took place at the meeting; staff requested the board’s future consideration of renewals when those items come forward.

The committee discussion was largely supportive. Members praised the use of student voice during the initial adoption, the district’s approach to project-based learning extensions and the instructional coherence work connecting core, interventions and extensions.

The update concluded with staff offering to answer additional questions and provide more detailed outcome data to board members upon request.