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Scottsbluff teachers defend Bridges math, Magnetic reading as district preps for external review
Summary
District content specialists and classroom teachers told the board that Bridges math and Magnetic reading support differentiated instruction, daily decodable text, and frequent assessments; teachers reported stronger student engagement and recommended continued use ahead of an external visit in February.
District staff and teachers presented the elementary curriculum review at the board meeting, emphasizing two long-used programs: Bridges math and Magnetic reading. A content specialist explained that Bridges (in use since 2014) emphasizes conceptual understanding through visual models, investigations and daily 'number corner' routines that build number sense and problem solving. "It really does help students develop those problem solving skills," the content specialist said, outlining supports for English learners and high-achieving students.
Several classroom teachers gave classroom examples and reported positive results. A 4th-grade teacher identified as Julia said, "My kids in 4th grade have such a strong understanding of numbers and how numbers work together," noting students can decompose numbers and choose multiple solution strategies. Megan Burda, a Longfellow 4th-grade teacher, added that Magnetic reading has made grade-level texts more attainable: "It's also high interest...the skills they're going to use to be lifelong readers." Board members asked about manipulatives and replacement cycles; staff responded that many original manipulatives remain serviceable and replacement needs are being tracked.
