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Blackhawk plans K–8 math pilot, recommends 90‑minute elementary math block and phased purchase
Summary
District curriculum leaders proposed piloting two K–8 math series (Veil Math and Envision Math), emphasizing research‑backed practices and a 90‑minute elementary math block; estimated multi‑year costs will be negotiated with publishers and supported by grant opportunities.
Blackhawk School District curriculum leaders told the board Feb. 13 they will pilot two K–8 math series and pursue a districtwide adoption for fall implementation. The district emphasized evidence‑based practices — explicit instruction, manipulatives, regular diagnostics, scaffolding and frequent progress monitoring — as selection criteria.
Jen Sherrick, a kindergarten and math teacher on the curriculum committee, summarized the need for a systematic approach: "Students have to master their prerequisite skills before they advance. Otherwise, gaps will form over time," she said, urging universal K–8 math screeners and targeted intervention for students who show persistent difficulties.
Nut graf: The Curriculum Council recommended piloting two series (identified in the presentation as Veil Math and Envision Math) and assessing them with a rubric that includes alignment to Pennsylvania standards, built‑in assessments, manipulatives, online components and professional development. Leaders recommended a 90‑minute daily math block in elementary grades to strengthen core instruction and to align schedules for intervention.
Mr. Ford, speaking about high‑school pathways and College in the High School (CHS) offerings, and committee members described expanded dual‑credit opportunities (partnerships with CCAC and Robert Morris University) and career offerings such as in‑building welding certification aligned with local colleges and CTCs.
The presentation noted pilot choices are not a one‑year, single‑purchase decision: quotes include materials, online subscriptions, teacher professional development and manipulative kits. Presenters estimated a sample five‑year cost spread to illustrate per‑student impact (example language in the presentation equated roughly $50,000 over five years across the district, described to stakeholders as a modest per‑student annual amount when divided by enrollment and days of instruction). Administrators said they will pursue grant funding and negotiate price points with vendors.
Ending: Board members and public commenters stressed the importance of direct instruction and frequent practice of math facts; the district said pilot materials and evaluation rubrics will be shared for review before the board acts at a future voting session.
