New Math Program Focused on Real-World Connections
Canon-McMillan School District is introducing a new math program that will provide consistency across grade levels and help students make meaningful connections between mathematics and the world around them. anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
The District has adopted the Savvas enVision + Mathematics program for students in Grades K-8 and the Savvas enVision Mathematics program for students enrolled in Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. Savvas Mathematics replaces several different math programs previously used across the District, creating a more aligned and consistent approach beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school.
“ We previously had four different math programs across our elementary, middle and high schools. Beginning this school year, students from kindergarten through Algebra 2 will be using the same program structure,” said Dr. Ken Crowley, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Grades 7-12.“ That alignment creates greater consistency in instruction and helps ensure a smoother transition as students advance from one grade level to the next.”
The common instructional framework will also allow teachers to build on skills students have developed in previous grades while preparing them for the mathematical concepts they will encounter as they advance.
Starting in the elementary grades, enVision + focuses on helping students develop strong conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and problem-solving skills through explicit instruction using a variety of strategies, visual models and hands-on manipulatives.
“ Our focus is not simply on using a new textbook or completing a new series of lessons. Instead, our goal is to strengthen math instruction in ways that align with what we know about how students learn best,” said Dr. Mark Abbondanza, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Grades K-6.“ Whether students are building number sense, learning about fractions or solving multi-step computational problems, understanding the“ why” behind the
40 CANON-MAC mathematics helps students become accurate, efficient and confident problem-solvers.”
Abbondanza also emphasized the continued importance of math fact fluency at the elementary level.
“ Helping students learn their basic math facts will remain a priority,” he said.“ Teachers will use a variety of print materials, hands-on activities and games to make learning and practicing math facts engaging and meaningful. When students can recall basic math facts quickly and accurately, they are better prepared to solve more complex problems and save their cognitive energy on higher-level mathematical concepts in future grades.”
The District is also maintaining a balanced approach to technology. While enVision + includes digital resources for teachers, Canon-McMillan will primarily use print-based materials in K-6 math classrooms. Students will no longer use digital programs like IXL and Reflex Math. In grades 7-12, a balance of print and digital resources will be used.