District reports midyear CPM rollout for secondary math and K–12 science planning
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Summary
Wallingford‑Swarthmore announced a soft launch of CPM in algebra and geometry, a multiyear PD schedule, pilot teacher reports praising problem‑based learning, and a separate K–12 science planning process that aims for a biology adoption recommendation this spring.
Anthony Gabriel and department chairs updated the Educational Affairs Committee on Feb. 10 about a multiyear secondary curriculum rollout centered on CPM math (6–12 implementation for algebra/geometry/algebra 2/trigonometry) and parallel work to articulate a K–12 science program aligned with revised standards.
The math rollout: Gabriel said the district ran a soft launch this year with two units in Algebra I and one unit in Geometry and has scheduled follow‑up professional development sessions in January, February and May, plus two visits next year. Teachers were trained in group‑work techniques and given access to textbooks, digital tools and videos. "The big part of the professional development is techniques for group work," a presenter said, describing CPM’s emphasis on collaborative, problem‑based learning.
Classroom pilots: Laura Cortese, who has piloted CPM in several classes, said the curriculum "has a low floor but a really high ceiling," enabling mixed‑ability classes to engage with challenging tasks and building student perseverance in problem solving. Classroom examples included team tasks, manipulatives and outdoor activities linking geometry to real‑world measurement.
Curriculum review and rubric: Administrators said they used a 68‑point evaluation matrix and scored the CPM midyear about 62 out of 68 (roughly 91%), with strengths in equity, cognitive demand and critical thinking. They noted teacher guides and some teacher‑support materials improved after initial training and that the product is not a full K–12 math program but covers grades 6–12.
Science and standards: District staff summarized a full‑day K–12 science planning meeting that drafted mission, vision, beliefs and short/long‑term transfer goals. The group prioritized teaching students to "do science" and planned pilots for middle‑school packages and a recommendation for a biology adoption to bring to the board in spring for next‑year implementation.
Questions and next steps: Board members asked about vertical alignment with K–5 programs and state standards. Presenters said CPM’s pedagogy differs from the current K–5 program (Reveal) but that alignment with Keystone standards is improved compared with the district’s older math materials. The district plans further pilot evaluation and to return with scorecards, alignment documents and adoption recommendations.
No adoption votes occurred at the meeting; staff said formal adoption decisions will come after further evaluation and board consideration.