Chandler Unified showcases K–12 math learning experiences, highlights professional development and preliminary gains

Chandler Unified School District math coaches and district leaders presented a K–12 update on math instruction and professional development during the district—s Dec. 11, 2024, study session, describing classroom demonstrations, curriculum-mapping tools and two professional-development programs the district says have reached hundreds of teachers.

The presentation, led by district instructional coaches and supported by a recorded segment from Dr. Trey Cox of Chandler—Gilbert Community College, outlined the district—s Enhancing Math Practices (EMP) program for K——8 teachers and the Arizona Mathematics Partnership (AMP) for secondary teachers. Presenters showed how lessons are aligned to Arizona Department of Education standards, the eight Standards for Mathematical Practice and research-based frameworks such as Building Thinking Classrooms.

District staff said the work emphasizes student-centered tasks, classroom discourse, use of vertical non-permanent surfaces (whiteboards) and formative assessments. Presenters described a 10-minute live demonstration in front of the board that replicated activities students do in classrooms: pairing to reason about inequalities, representing solution sets on number lines, and using open vs. closed circles to show inclusion.

"I can honestly say in the last 20 years, I have never seen teachers more energized in the classroom by what we're…