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Oak Park D97 math committee recommends Bridges in Mathematics; board asked to approve $532,558.27 for materials
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Summary
After a yearlong review and pilot, the district math committee recommended Bridges in Mathematics for K–5, citing increased student engagement and supports for students of color; the committee asked the board to approve $532,558.27 to buy teacher materials and consumable student workbooks, with a vote expected May 12.
The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 math curriculum committee recommended adopting Bridges in Mathematics for kindergarten through grade 5 after a multi‑year resource review and a pilot in two schools.
District staff told the board that nine resources were reviewed and that the committee narrowed choices to two finalists. Teachers piloted Amplify/Desmos and Bridges; the committee used multiple measures — teacher, student and family surveys, unit assessments and pre/post assessments — and rated each resource across seven criteria. Staff reported that a majority of teachers preferred Bridges and that family and student survey results were mixed but generally showed the curriculum is developmentally appropriate and engaging.
"Bridges moves students beyond the procedural steps to have math talks, constructive arguments and deeper thinking," said one school leader from Longfellow who participated in the pilot panel. Multiple pilot teachers said Bridges increased student engagement, encouraged discussion and worked well without relying on technology. A Spanish‑immersion fourth‑grade teacher said materials for Bridges were available in English and Spanish and that students took ownership of their learning.
District staff asked the board to approve $532,558.27 to purchase teacher resources (one‑time) and student consumables (annual renewal for workbooks), to support organization supplies and initial professional learning. Staff said professional learning in year one is complimentary through the publisher and that the district expects shipments late July or early August if the board approves.
Board members asked for more disaggregated evidence about outcomes for girls and students of color; presenters said the pilot data showed engagement and score improvements among those groups but acknowledged a desire to present more detailed qualitative and quantitative results before final adoption. Staff also described a rollout plan — print shop work in May, professional learning in July and August, ongoing coaching through the school year, and family outreach events.
The board did not vote on the adoption at the meeting; staff said the formal adoption and budget request would be brought back for action on May 12.
