2008-09 school year
In 2007-08, the Issaquah School District adoption cycle called for an examination of high-school geometry and algebra materials (algebra I and II, although most students complete algebra I in middle school via a different textbook). This process was postponed until after Washington state developed new mathematics standards and assessment methods and conducted a high-school math curricula review/recommendation. With completion of the state's work in January 2009, the District's high school math department leaders began familiarizing themselves with the new standards in depth and evaluating the extent to which ISD's current algebra and geometry materials matched the new standards.
When the high school math department leaders determined significant support/alteration would be necessary to bolster current materials to align with the new standards, an adoption committee was chartered. Thirteen math teachers, representing each high school, were charged to consider whether a new adoption would best serve students. The committee focused on the goal of all students being mathematically prepared and confident to pursue higher education or specialized career training, and equipped to apply mathematics as a life tool. The specific charge to the committee was to review and recommend cohesive, comprehensive, standards-based high school math instructional materials to accomplish this purpose.
Eight publishers were invited to submit materials for the review. They included the highest-rated materials from the state review and materials from publishers of the District's current elementary and middle school math adoptions. Teachers on the committee thoroughly analyzed the content for alignment with the new state standards and the academic rigor necessary for Issaquah's high-performing student population; field tested the materials with students; gauged online family support resources; talked to schools currently using the materials; evaluated the reliability of the vendor in light of previous experiences in the Issaquah School District and across the state; and consulted across the District with math colleagues. Ultimately, the High School Math Adoption Committee on May 27 unanimously selected the Discovering Mathematics Series by Key Curriculum Press as its recommendation for adoption.
The District educators' recommendation has kicked off the public review process. As in all curriculum adoptions, the teacher recommendation now moves to the Instructional Materials Committee (IMC) —a group of teachers, parents, and community members—for evaluation with the charter and the District's philosophy for selection of instructional materials as well as bias and readability. If the IMC recommends the adoption, there will be a two-week window for the public to review the materials at the Administration Building before final action is brought before the School Board.
Because there are currently a wide variety of opinions about math materials, the District is offering expanded opportunities for community members to review the materials and offer input through three mathematics open houses in June and an invitation to visit with math curriculum specialists for more specific questions about mathematics instruction.
Timeline
- School year 2007-08: Scheduled replacement cycle for high-school geometry and algebra series materials paused while state sets new high-school math standards.
- July 2008: Washington State Board of Education adopts new high school mathematics standards.
- January 2009: OSPI presents the High School Mathematics Core Comprehensive Materials Review and Recommendations Report—Initial Recommendations.
- February 2009: Math department leaders trained on new standards and reviewed alignment of current materials to the new standards.
- March 2009: Issaquah School District High School Math Adoption Committee begins work to review and recommend cohesive, comprehensive, standards based high school math instructional materials to ensure that all students will be mathematically prepared and confident to pursue higher education or specialized career training, and to be equipped to apply mathematics as a life tool.
- April 2009: District math teachers attend End-of-Course assessment item writing work group and share feedback with the Adoption committee.
- May 27, 2009: High School Math Adoption Committee unanimously recommends Discovering Mathematics by Key Curriculum Press.
- May 28, 2009: Public process begins.
- June 2, 2009: Math Materials Open House, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Administration Building.
- June 4, 2009: Math Materials Open House, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Administration Building.
- June 5, 2009: Math Materials Open House, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Administration Building.
- June 8, 2009: Instructional Materials Committee hears presentation from Math Adoption Committee and begins to evaluate Discovering Mathematics for alignment with the charter and the District's philosophy for selection of instructional materials as well as bias and readability.
- June 10, 2009: Work-study session at 5:00 p.m. with High School Math Adoption Committee members and the Issaquah School Board.
- June 22, 2009: Instructional Materials Committee makes recommendation.
- June 24, 2009: Tentative math work-study cancelled; a brief adoption update will occur during the business meeting.
- UPDATE June 24, 2009: Superintendent announces there will be a one-year delay in the adoption process during the board meeting.
- July 8, 2009: First opportunity for Issaquah School Board to consider adoption of Discovering Mathematics. CANCELLED—adoption delayed.
Updates
June 25, 2009
At the June 24 School Board meeting, Superintendent Steve Rasmussen announced an adoption delay until next school year. He cited his disappointment "that the state has interjected itself in to the [math adoption] process causing much consternation and virtually paralyzing districts' ability to select math materials and move forward at this point." The recommendation of the High School Math Adoption Committee will remain; the District will revisit the recommendation sometime mid school year in light of any clarity that may be provided around high-school math at the state or national level. The District will also continue its conversation with community members about this curriculum recommendation and math instruction in general in the Issaquah School District. Read Dr. Rasmussen's message to the School Board.
June 11, 2009
The Issaquah School Board on June 10 held a public work-study session with several teachers on the High School Math Adoption Committee to discuss the Discovering Mathematics materials and math instruction in Issaquah high schools. The School Board is now considering what steps to take next—including another potential work-study session on June 24—to learn about the materials and the adoption process as the recommendation goes through the Instructional Materials Committee.
Committee materials presented at the June 10 work-study session
Resources
Contact
Leslie Nielsen, Math Curriculum Specialist, 425-837-7051. Call or e-mail feedback and/or questions about the adoption process, the
Discovering Mathematics materials, and math instruction in Issaquah schools.