North Allegheny reviews multi-year math curriculum; board hears plans for new resources, spiral learning and MTSS for math

The North Allegheny School Board on April 24 received a comprehensive presentation from the district math department outlining a multi-year curriculum review and a set of recommendations intended to strengthen math instruction districtwide.

Presenters described a review process built on a SWOT analysis, interviews with nine exemplar districts, and collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. The review produced prioritized themes — curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, resources and technology — that drove specific recommendations, the presenters said.

"Explore, understand, and apply" was offered as a new guiding philosophy for the department’s work, one presenter said, describing a shift toward inquiry-based learning, project-based learning and problem-based learning and a move away from homework focused solely on computation.

Elementary recommendations included expanding opportunities for teacher professional learning, establishing consistent weekly spiral review resources and developing common grade-level assessments. "We'd like to expand opportunities for staff to participate in professional learning discussions around mathematical instruction, a consistent weekly spiral review resource, and a development of common assessments by grade level," Stephanie Conrad, a fourth-grade teacher from McKnight Elementary, said.

Middle- and high-school proposals emphasized continued analysis of common assessments, targeted use of Keystone and PSSA data, and a restructuring of math pathways. Gary Grader, co-department chair, explained that the district revised labels on several courses to remove the word "Essentials," a change intended to secure NCAA approval for pathway courses. He also described the planned implementation of AP Precalculus with Trigonometry and the shift of Algebra 1 focus to ninth grade for certain pathways.

Presenters also flagged an imminent change to assessment tools: Exact Path (the district’s benchmark/diagnostic product) is expiring, and a cross-functional team of building administrators, psychologists and central-office staff will vet replacement options. "Exact Path is expiring; we're looking at other options the district may be able to use as a resource," Doctor Ford said, noting decisions will consider both instructional fit and fiscal responsibility.

The team described plans to expand MTSS-style tiered supports for mathematics and to emphasize formative assessments such as exit tickets to drive day-to-day instruction. A phased, five-year approach to resource adoption and professional development, plus the use of professional learning communities and "look-fors" for instructional observations, was proposed to support implementation.

Board members praised the report and raised questions about measurable goals and timelines. "If there are specific targets, like the PSSA, what are those targets and how long will it take to get there?" asked Dr. Gibbs. Presenters said they expect gains if the department reintroduces scaffolded open-ended tasks alongside multiple-choice items — a practice the district used previously that correlated with strong state results — but they did not provide specific numeric targets for a multi-year timeline.

Several trustees also asked the department to study whether outside learning opportunities (such as supplemental programs used by some families) affect performance differences across schools and whether successful practices at higher-performing schools could be scaled districtwide.

Presenters said Waggle (an adaptive practice tool aligned to GoMath) has been piloted in some classrooms with favorable reactions and will be considered as part of a broader resource adoption. "Waggle provides adaptive, personalized practice and instruction that builds foundations and accelerates skill growth," a teacher who has used it said.

The board thanked the math team for the review. No vote was required on the report; subsequent business at the meeting included approval of minutes and a unanimous vote on a consent agenda.

The district will next continue vetting assessment options and proceed with phased resource adoption and professional development; officials told the board they will return with implementation details and further status updates.