During a recent government meeting, Kelsey Secor, the Director of Instructional Support, presented the findings of a committee focused on adopting a new math curriculum for fifth through eighth grades. The committee aimed to enhance student learning outcomes by ensuring access to high-quality materials and consistency across classrooms.
Secor outlined the committee's goals, which included aligning the curriculum with essential standards set by the Arizona Department of Education. The committee evaluated seven different math curriculum options, ultimately narrowing the selection to two: iReady Math and Envision Math. Both curricula were piloted in classrooms over five weeks, during which data on student proficiency and feedback from both students and teachers were collected.
The results indicated a significant performance advantage for students using iReady Math, who demonstrated higher proficiency in essential standards compared to those using Envision Math. Notably, students reported feeling more prepared and confident when using iReady materials, with many expressing that the curriculum was engaging and motivating. Teachers also noted a marked increase in student enthusiasm and readiness to tackle math challenges.
Following the pilot program, the committee unanimously recommended iReady Math as the preferred curriculum for the district, citing its effectiveness in fostering student engagement and improving learning outcomes. This decision reflects a strategic move to enhance math education in the district, particularly in a subject area that has been a focus for improvement.