This year the Shaler Area School District has implemented a new math curriculum in our primary schools. Illustrative Mathematics emphasizes learning the structure and logic of mathematics so students are equipped to understand and solve math problems throughout their lives. “This approach empowers students. It’s focused on the process used to arrive at the answer as much as the solution itself,” shares Dr. Brian Brown, Assistant Superintendent of Schools.
According to its creators, this innovative problem-based K–12 curriculum is designed to energize math classrooms and equip students with critical skills, understandings, and practices that can benefit them for a lifetime. The IM Certified® Experience leads students to this enduring math proficiency by giving educators exclusive access to engaging content, comprehensive professional learning, and an inclusive community of scholars working together to build a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics.
Before adopting the new curriculum, Primary math teachers visited classrooms in Penn Hills and Brentwood where Illustrative Mathematics is already being used. Teachers benefited from seeing the lessons in action and being able to hear from colleagues guidelines and strategies to make implementation more effective.
This approach is already being successfully used in Shaler Area Elementary School. Integrating Illustrative Mathematics across our primary schools will give our students a robust foundation in mathematical thinking and smooth the transitions to older grades. Teachers are already reporting that primary students are engaging with mathematical concepts with more curiosity, confidence, and competence.
The Benefits of Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics (IM) is a high-quality, standards-aligned curriculum designed to enhance student learning and engagement in mathematics. It offers a research-based approach to teaching and learning, fostering a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Here are the key benefits of using Illustrative Mathematics in your district:
1. Standards Alignment
IM is fully aligned with state and national standards, ensuring students are prepared for assessments and future academic success. Its coherence and progression make it easy to connect lessons across grade levels.
Source: Illustrative Mathematics Curriculum Overview (https://www.illustrativemathematics.org)
2. Focus on Conceptual Understanding
Rather than emphasizing rote memorization, IM encourages students to explore and understand the “why” behind mathematical processes. This approach builds a strong foundation for problem-solving and critical thinking.
Source: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Principles to Actions
3. Equity and Access for All Learners
IM is designed to be inclusive, providing strategies to support diverse learners, including English language learners and students with disabilities. Its structure ensures all students can access rigorous mathematics content.
4. Engaging and Interactive Lessons
IM lessons use real-world contexts and interactive tasks to make mathematics meaningful and engaging. Students collaborate, discuss, and explore ideas, fostering a classroom culture of inquiry and curiosity.
Source: Illustrative Mathematics Implementation Guide
5. Professional Learning for Educators
IM includes robust professional development resources to support teachers in implementing the curriculum effectively. Training focuses on instructional strategies, questioning techniques, and fostering a growth mindset in students.
Source: Illustrative Mathematics Professional Learning Services
6. Comprehensive Resources
The curriculum provides a wide range of materials, including lesson plans, formative assessments, and digital tools. These resources allow teachers to tailor instruction to meet the needs of their students.
Source: Illustrative Mathematics Digital and Print Resources
7. Proven Results
Districts using IM have reported significant improvements in student achievement, engagement, and confidence in mathematics. Its emphasis on reasoning and communication prepares students for success in higher education and careers.
Source: Case Studies of Districts Implementing Illustrative Mathematics