District to pilot middle-school math programs, seeks clearer path to geometry access

At the board meeting, math leaders described a two-track pilot to identify a middle-school curriculum that best bridges elementary Bridges instruction to secondary math. "The current program we are looking at will adjust and help support the kids moving forward and then the alignment into the high school," Robert (math presenter) said, summarizing planned pilots of MidSchool Math and Illustrative Math.

Presenters said pilots will run for a few units (not a full year), include professional development for teachers, and be evaluated before a phased rollout beginning with incoming sixth graders. They emphasized teacher training and coaching supports to maintain fidelity: "When we purchase a curriculum... we would be doing summer work with teachers as well as work in the fall," the presenter said. Board members asked how the district will accelerate students into geometry; staff replied that geometry timing may be handled by earlier assessment, summer courses, or programmatic acceleration depending on pilot outcomes.

Staff also noted a programmatic response may be needed in addition to diagnostic and curricular fixes, including AIS/MTSS expansion and opportunities such as summer 'ramp up to algebra.' District leaders said they will report pilot findings and selection recommendations to the curriculum committee after the short-unit pilots conclude.