In the 10 years leading up to Madison School District’s latest math curriculum update, state standards had changed almost too often to count. So it is understandable that the Phoenix-based district would welcome a program that ensured all material complied with current standards.
But not just any program. After researching solutions and piloting two options four years ago, Madison chose McGraw-Hill My Math, and use the interactive student edition and digital tools to customize content for K5 students. Lessons are pre-built and sequenced but can be modified by teachers, who have access to print and digital resources to maximize student understanding. Based on state standards, McGraw-Hill My Math keeps students engaged while they learn concepts, fluency and application skills.
Unanimous decision
“After the two pilots, we looked at student performance data, met with teachers, and surveyed students and parents” says Dr. Michael Winters, executive director for curriculum and instruction for the K8 district. “They all unanimously picked My Math; all three stakeholder groups especially appreciated the dual platform.”
The online component allows students to find assignments and extra help through videos, games, and additional rich, digital resources. Parents can not only track their student’s progress, they can also easily communicate with teachers and know exactly what their child is learning. Teachers can easily access activities or lessons to reinforce concepts for struggling learners or to challenge students who have mastered a particular topic.
“My Math is leveled and has different interventions, high or low, to meet students where they are” Winters says. “The program is sequenced and presented in a way that’s favorable to teachers.”
Students get their own edition, which is an interactive workbook that they can write in, solve problems, show work and take home.
Math hero
Winters recalls the day he entered a classroom where the teacher introduced him to students as “the person who gets us all the wonderful math books we use.”
“The kids started cheering because they love their math books” he says. “They like having that ownership; it’s theirs to write in and take home. That’s one of the intangible, qualitative benefits from using My Math.”
This is the third full year that Madison School District has been using McGraw-Hill My Math for about 3,600 students in K5. In addition to McGraw-Hill My Math, the district is using Glencoe Math for about 2,200 students in grades 6 through 8.
Initial training for teachers was about six hours total, with a district math coach providing more detailed instruction and support throughout the year, based on regular input from McGraw-Hill.
“We were very impressed with the level of service we received from McGraw-Hill during the pilot and after” Winters says. “Teachers are more confident with the company, knowing there is ongoing support and a real partnership.”
Winters credits McGraw-Hill My Math with helping the district to continue improving students’ math scores. The 2016 AzMerit results show Madison students continue to outperform the state average in every grade that’s using McGraw-Hill My Math.
For more information, visit mhmymath.com
