District elementary schools set to adopt new math curriculum

Elementary schools across the city are set to adopt a new core math curriculum following the conclusion of a pilot program rolled out across district K-5 schools from September to December last year.

At the school committee’s Jan. 21 meeting, district mathematics director Valerie Alfeo told members that the district used EngageNY, a free curriculum, for nine years before the pilot program started. Alfeo said the district began examining alternative curriculum options after educators expressed a need to supplement EngageNY.

According to Alfeo, a curriculum council was convened, comprised of 11 standard classroom teachers, six math coaches, one special education teacher, one English as a second language teacher and three principals. The council narrowed options down to two curricula to pilot.

Alfeo said that 68.4% of the council as well as 63.6% of elementary principals recommended implementing the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum, aligning with the initial curriculum goals of content standards and practices and enhancing student engagement, discovery and overall student learning experience.

The Math Learning Center, the nonprofit organization responsible for assembling the curriculum, states on its website that Bridges is “inquiry based and student centered,” and “focuses on developing mathematical reasoning while creating an inclusive and equitable learning community for all students.”

Samantha Harris, a member of the council and fourth grade teacher at MacArthur Elementary School, told the committee that her students’ scores and overall learning experience were best supported by Bridges.

Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa thanked members of the pilot program and expressed her support for the new curriculum.

“I think that we will see both our staff and students thriving in this new curriculum,” Mendonsa said.

Alfeo said next steps to implement Bridges will be rolled out beginning with asynchronous modules, in-person training, site visits at schools already using the curriculum, monthly administrative meetings and follow up professional development during the first year.

Additionally, teacher and student materials will be purchased and the district will provide documents throughout the year to ensure families are aware of what students are learning in each unit.

Additionally the School Committee:

• Accepted three donations: $5,910 from the Lady Hawks Hoopsters Booster to the Waltham High School girls basketball program, $3,000 from Toyota of Watertown to fund two $1,500 scholarships for seniors in the WHS auto tech program and $7,500 from the Audrey P. Connor Trust Charitable Foundation for Stanley Elementary School to purchase supplies. 

• Heard WHS updates from student council members about upcoming winter sports senior nights, show choir competition on Jan. 31 and dance theater shows on Jan. 28, 29 and 30.

• Received monthly finance and operations, curriculum and instruction, career and technical education, special education and student services, family and community engagement and human resources updates from district leaders.