Sun Valley teachers spotlight student growth as district rolls out new K–5 math program

Kristen Hancock, principal of Sun Valley Elementary, told the Stanford Fell City Schools board on Feb. 10 that the school is focusing on narrowing gaps for key student groups while implementing a new K–5 math curriculum.

"Our goal is to have a 3% increase in the number of students that are meeting proficiency," Hancock said, describing the school’s target based on I‑Ready spring diagnostics. Assistant Principal Jessica Michaelson and Hancock detailed demographic and program data — Sun Valley serves about 524 students, with roughly 31% socioeconomically disadvantaged, 16% English learners and 11% students with disabilities — and highlighted a full‑enrollment TK wing that has 60 students.

District math‑implementation staff and coaches described how the Classroom Mathematics California adoption and professional learning structures are intended to change instruction. Christina Rogero Garrison, the district MTSS coach leading implementation, summarized the learning‑lab model the district has deployed: "We've had 111 classroom educators…44 grade level teams…we've gone into 88 different classrooms to co‑teach," and those sessions reached roughly 2,000 students in the first lab.

Staff said the program is producing more student mathematical discourse and stronger teacher collaboration. Garrison described common challenges—pacing, prerequisite skill gaps and the high language load of discourse‑driven lessons—and said second‑lab supports and PLC time are designed to address them.

Trustees asked about supports for English learners and students with disabilities; presenters said Sun Valley has a large speech caseload and uses targeted interventions, and that some schools are using Title I and grant funds to add site positions to offset district reductions.

Why it matters: The district views the math adoption as a districtwide shift in instructional practice that will take multiple years. Board members praised the professional collaboration and the early evidence of student engagement.

What’s next: Staff said the second learning lab will run through April, and the district will survey teachers to identify year‑two supports. The board did not take action on the presentation; it was an informational update.