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District touts 'Building Thinking' math strategies, seeks algebra success gains
Summary
The board heard a math-task-force report focused on secondary instruction, algebra success, placement supports (Algebra 1A/1B), teacher coaching, and strategies to improve student engagement and retention.
District staff and teachers presented work from the math task force spanning the last two years and outlined priorities for algebra success and improved instructional practices.
Dr. Tracy Smith introduced the team and thanked participants; teacher Kim Lobs described classroom strategies such as vertical whiteboards and Building Thinking Math approaches, noting the district restored specialized support courses. Kim said the task force “brought back the concept of algebra 1 a and algebra 1 b for the student who needs a little extra time to get through the algebra curriculum to gain the strength they need to be successful in future math classes.” Presenters emphasized walk‑throughs, peer observation, common assessments, and coaching to support new teachers and improve retention.
Trustees asked how to move teachers from entrenched practices to new strategies; presenters pointed to observation, safe feedback and shared practices as levers. The report highlighted measures the district will track—state testing, IXL usage and algebra success rates—and next steps include continuing teacher collaboration, targeted interventions and looking at dual‑enrollment and acceleration pathways so students can reach higher‑level coursework by senior year.
