Board adopts new K–12 math curriculum: STEMscopes for elementary, Amplify/Desmos for secondary

The Taos Municipal Schools board on June 24 approved a six-year adoption of new math instructional materials: STEMscopes Accelerated Learning for elementary campuses and Amplify (with Desmos) for middle and high schools. The adoption follows a district-led review committee that included school-site representatives, community members, university partners and students.

Enrique Gonzalez, the district's elementary math interventionist, described the process and the adoption goals: "Math is a core subject…we want our students to master it," he said, emphasizing standards alignment, cultural and linguistic accessibility, and embedded assessments to target instruction.

District presenters said the materials were vetted through the New Mexico Instructional Materials Bureau and scored highly on local rubrics. The elementary recommendation cited STEMscopes for its alignment, rigor and scaffolds for students who need intervention; secondary teachers recommended Amplify and Desmos for higher-grade mathematics and financial-literacy components.

Superintendent Dr. Antonio Leighton recommended approval. A motion to adopt the presented materials carried on a roll call with Board member Koncha, Board member King and Vice President Spray recorded as voting 'yes.' Board members noted plans for accompanying professional development and classroom demonstrations over the summer and early fall.

The curriculum will be implemented districtwide under the standard adoption cycle, with vendor-provided professional development and local pacing guides to ensure coherent instruction across sites. The board did not change the statutory adoption schedule; it approved the recommended vendors and directed staff to proceed with purchase and teacher training.