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District outlines transparent, data-driven process for K–5 math adoption; pilots at four schools
Summary
Dr. Danielle Berman told the board the district is piloting Eureka Squared and Amplify/Desmos across four elementary schools, collecting teacher feedback every three weeks and convening a 26-member consensus selection committee in November with a recommendation due by Feb. 27; estimated materials costs are $1.6–$1.8 million.
Dr. Danielle Berman updated the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education on Oct. 9 about the district's K–5 math curriculum pilot and the process the district will use to select new materials.
Berman said the district is piloting two resources this year: Eureka Squared at Lincoln and Newell (building‑wide pilots) and Amplify/Desmos mathematics at Star and Sully Park and newcomer teams. She emphasized a selection process intended to be "transparent, data driven, alignment focused back to our vision" and centered on teacher and student experience. "I will gather and organize the data and the resources for the selection committee and the pilot teachers," she said.
The district has organized a selection committee of about 26 people that will begin meeting in November. Berman said the committee will review blinded pilot data (schools and pilots color‑coded so members focus on facts), examine student outcome data including MAP growth and district benchmark assessments, consider perception data from grades 3–5, and conduct classroom observations in January. The committee is expected to build consensus and deliver a recommendation to the board by Feb. 27, with backup days in March if needed.
Teachers and principals reported positive early feedback: staff cited better alignment to standards, increased opportunities for student talk and reasoning, and stronger conceptual development. Berman acknowledged challenges — teachers reported difficulty finishing lessons within designated math time and the curriculum is more rigorous, "illuminating gaps in student prior understanding" — but characterized those as the right kind of challenge. She said teacher feedback is collected every three weeks and will inform professional learning supports and implementation planning.
On costs, Berman said purchasing materials for over 30,000 student sets, teacher materials and manipulative kits over a seven-year cycle would be substantial, and she estimated costs most likely in the $1.6–$1.8 million range depending on negotiations and professional learning needs. She added that district budgeting has set aside funds in recent years to cover the adoption.
Berman closed by reminding the board she is facilitating the process rather than making the final recommendation and reiterated the district's goal to reach a recommendation by late February.
