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District presentation recommends Carnegie Learning after 34-teacher review and 60-40 teacher vote
Summary
Torrance Unified presenters said a district-wide committee of 34 teachers narrowed eight elementary math programs to two finalists; teachers preferred Carnegie Learning roughly 60-40. The materials include student consumables, teacher resources and an AI-driven practice tool, and staff plan multi-day professional development before a 2026-27 classroom rollout.
Torrance Unified staff told trustees they recommend a K— elementary math adoption that aligns with the 2023 California math framework and the district—s instructional priorities, with Carnegie Learning (Lehi Math) emerging as the teachers' preferred option.
A district presenter explained that 34 teachers (two from each elementary school, lower- and upper-grade representatives) reviewed eight titles, brought materials back to site teachers for further review, and narrowed the choices to two finalists: Carnegie Learning/Lehi Math and Imagine Learning/Illustrative Math. "The teacher vote came out 60-40," the presenter said, explaining that teachers favored Carnegie because of unit structure that creates built-in "pause points" for reengagement, options for targeted instruction, and conceptually connected problem solving.
Trustees asked why the district would provide consumable student workbooks if online access exists; staff said publishers charge the same for online-only as for print so there is no cost advantage to dropping consumables. Trustees also probed equity and English-learner supports in the AI-driven formative assessment. The presenter noted the state vetting process requires English-language acquisition components and that many materials include Spanish-language resources; two of the district—s math coaches participated in the statewide evaluation team.
Staff told the board they plan two full training days during the school year and additional voluntary summer training so teachers are prepared to use the materials at the start of the 2026-27 school year. The K— adoption will include student consumables (textbook/practice book combined), teacher editions and online resources.
The recommendation was placed on the consent agenda for formal approval (consent action later in the meeting).
