School board hears K–12 math curriculum rollout, coaching expansion and tutoring plans

Schenectady City School District leaders told the board on March 12 that the district is continuing to roll out a new K–8 mathematics curriculum and expanding supports at the middle and high school levels as part of a multiyear effort to strengthen student outcomes in algebra and higher mathematics.

“Last year, we adopted I‑Ready classroom mathematics as our tier 1 K through 8 mathematics curriculum,” Assistant Superintendent of Teaching Dr. Lauren LaChisholm told the board. She and Assistant Director of Mathematics Michael Coval framed the presentation around the district’s stated vision and four organizational pillars and said the work is intended to improve logical reasoning, critical thinking and problem‑solving across disciplines.

Why it matters: Algebra proficiency is a graduation gatekeeper in New York State. District staff said they have focused resources on the algebra pathway and on consistent K–8 instruction so students arrive in ninth grade better prepared.

What the board heard

- Curriculum adoption and pedagogy — Coval said the new K–8 program begins each lesson with a real‑world “Try It” prompt, emphasizes accountable math talk, and follows a concrete→pictorial→abstract progression for concepts. “Every single lesson, kindergarten through eighth grade, starts with an engaging real world prompt,” he said. Presenters stressed consistent lesson structure across buildings so students experience predictable routines as they move grades or schools.

- High‑school…