New Wilton Public Schools Math Program Incorporates Foundation and Flexibility
Changes to the math curriculum are being proposed in Wilton Public Schools. The Math Curriculum Review Steering Committee (MCRSC), under the direction of Trudy Denton, the Curriculum Coordinator, is recommending substantial changes to the district’s mathematics program. According to Denton, "The changes to the WPS math program incorporate two principles: foundation and flexibility. The program changes will provide students with a strong foundation in math in elementary and middle school while offering flexibility and greater access to advanced math courses in high school.”
The recommendations are based on extensive research and analysis, taking into account student outcomes and feedback from a survey taken last year by over 2,000 teachers, students, and parents. Parents and members of the public are encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts on the proposals through a provided Google Form. The link to that form can be accessed here.
To enhance student outcomes in math, the committee proposed the following:
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Revise math curriculum units K-12 to achieve alignment and coherence for each grade level and course. The K-8 Math in Focus program should also be supplemented with additional resources such as Illustrative Math.
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Provide coaching support for teachers to further enhance instructional practices and teacher content knowledge.
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Provide no less than one hour of instructional time for math K-5, schedule additional instructional time in grades 6-8, and explore options for additional time at WHS for level 1 math classes.
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Adopt a proposed math course sequence change for grades 6-12 to ensure students have the necessary foundational skills to be successful in high school math. This can be achieved by offering different course acceleration pathways for students who demonstrate mastery of foundational content and problem-solving skills.
The MCRSC began meeting during the 2017-2018 school year to study the strengths of the K-12 mathematics program and how it could be improved. The overall goal was to advance the math learning outcomes for all Wilton students by instituting structural changes to the math program and by incorporating more research-based strategies into instruction. The committee believes that implementing all of these changes will result in significant gains among Wilton Public School students.
Background and documentation supporting each of the recommended changes are provided on the WPS Math Program Update website.
Information sessions for members of the community will be held in the Zellner Gallery on the following dates and times*:
February 19, 10am - 11.30am
February 26, 10am - 11.30am
February 28, 7pm - 8.30pm
March 18, 7pm - 8.30pm
SNOWDATE March 26, 7pm - 8.30pm
*Please note, each date will cover the same presentation and material.
Published on Jan 24 2019 1:33 PM
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