Board hears update on Illustrative Math K–8 pilot, consensus to bring adoption to next meeting

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Amarie Mancini told the Groton Board of Education on April 20 that the district’s pilot of Illustrative Math K–8 has shown broad leader and elementary teacher support and that the administration is prepared to seek formal adoption at the board’s regular meeting on April 27.

Mancini opened the presentation by linking the work to the district strategic plan’s priority to accelerate academic achievement and said the resource supports five core instructional design principles: alignment to standards, active learning, real‑world connections, conceptual understanding and K–12 coherence. "Students just don't just learn how to do math, they learn how to understand, use and enjoy math," Mancini said, summarizing a central philosophy behind the resource.

The assistant superintendent described the pilot, which began in August 2025 and allowed K–8 schools to implement one to three units. District supports included summer planning time, downloaded teacher materials, visits to classrooms where the program was in use, and contracting an approved Illustrative Math trainer to coach teachers and model lessons. Mancini said district leader surveys were "very, very favorable," estimating leader support above 80–90 percent, and that most elementary-grade surveys were similarly positive; she acknowledged that some kindergarten teachers found initial pacing too slow and some seventh‑ and eighth‑grade teachers had reservations about middle‑school pacing.

Elementary math specialist Daisy, who helped lead the pilot in classrooms, described the program as "almost entirely hands‑on," with manipulatives, real‑world photographs and scaffolded discussions designed to give all learners entry points. "We begin a math concept working with it tactically," she said, naming blocks, fraction tiles and other materials used to build conceptual understanding.

Board members asked detailed implementation questions. Mancini said Illustrative Math includes daily and every‑other‑day pacing charts and indicated the district would provide sustained professional development and coaching through the vendor and local specialists. On digital access, Mancini said teachers would have digital access for planning but K–5 students would initially rely on print materials; 6–8 students would have both print and digital options. She emphasized that implementation plans would include scaffolds for English learners and special education supports, and that trainers would work with those teachers during rollout.

Mancini told the board the combined budget request for ELA and math K–8 materials and associated professional learning was about $300,000. Board members who spoke in favor said they were encouraged by the pilot evidence and teacher feedback. Chair Be Washington took a voice consensus and recorded support to move the Illustrative Math adoption forward to the regular board meeting on April 27 for a formal vote.

The board packet included the pilot report, survey summaries and an implementation timeline; district staff offered to provide additional pacing comparisons for kindergarten and a plan for accelerated middle‑school students if adoption proceeds.

The board’s next step is the formal consideration and vote at the April 27 meeting.