MATH CURRICULUM
REVISION
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PREVIEW OF PRESENTATION
•  Examples of changes under the new PA Core
standards
•  Our selection process
•  Proposed new programs
•  High school
•  Middle school
•  Elementary schools
NEW PA CORE IN MATH
•  Students must demonstrate mastery of content
•  New standards emphasize application and higherorder thinking skills
•  New standards cover fewer topics but in more
depth:
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More arithmetic in K-5
More algebra in 6-8
More basic skills
More conceptual understanding
EXAMPLES OF NEW PA CORE IN MATH
Grade 3 - Fractions
Former PA Eligible
Content
New PA Eligible Content
Write a fraction that corresponds to a
drawing or part of a set
Demonstrate that when a whole or set
is partitioned into y parts, the fraction
1/y represents 1 part of the whole
and/or the fraction x/y represents x
equal parts of the whole
Create a drawing or set that
represents a given fraction
Represent fractions on a number line
Recognize and generate simple
equivalent fractions
Express whole numbers as fractions,
and/or generate fractions that are
equivalent to whole numbers
Compare two fractions with the same
denominator
EXAMPLES OF NEW PA CORE IN MATH
Grade 5 – Place Value
Former PA Eligible
Content
New PA Eligible Content
Match the standard form to the word
form of decimal numbers through the
hundredths
Demonstrate understanding that a
digit in one place represents 1/10 of
what it represents in the place to its
left
Identify the place value of a digit,
from millions through hundredths
Explain patterns in the number of zeros
of the product when multiplying a
number by powers of 10
Explain patterns in the placement of
the decimal point when a decimal is
multiplied or divided by a power of 10
Read and write decimals to
thousandths using numerals, word
form, and expanded form
Compare two decimals to
thousandths
EXAMPLES OF NEW PA CORE IN MATH
Grade 8 – Linear Equations
Former PA Eligible
Content
New PA Eligible Content
Graph a linear function based on an
x/y table
Write and identify linear equations in
one variable with one solution,
infinitely many solutions, or no solutions
Match the graph of an x/y function to
its linear table
Solve linear equations that have
rational number coefficients
Match the linear equation (y=mx + b)
to the x/y table
Interpret solutions to a system of two
linear equations in two variables as
points of intersection when such points
satisfy both equations simultaneously
Solve systems of two linear equations
in two variables algebraically
Solve real-world and mathematical
problems leading to two linear
equations in two variables
EXAMPLES OF NEW PA CORE IN MATH
ALGEBRA
Former PA Eligible Content New PA Eligible Content
Match the graph of a given
function to its table or equation.
Create, interpret, and /or use the
equation, graph, or table of a
linear function.
Identify the domain and range of a
relation (may be represented as
ordered pairs, a graph, or a table)
Translate from one representation
of a linear function to another
(graph, table, and equation)
EXAMPLES OF NEW PA CORE IN MATH
Algebra Example
SELECTION PROCESS - RUBRIC
Key elements of our selection rubric included:
•  Core standards-aligned programs
•  Higher-order thinking skills stressed
•  Differentiated processes and products
•  High-stakes-test-preparation activities
•  Basic skills coverage
•  Intervention activities
•  Digital versions of text and technology resources
•  Focus on real-world problem solving
SELECTION PROCESS – RESEARCH
•  Review of What Works Clearinghouse of math programs
•  Survey of regional districts’ programs
•  Visits to Garnet Valley, Springfield, WallingfordSwarthmore, Marple-Newtown, Haverford, with follow up
questionnaires
•  Presentations by publishers, with representatives from
each grade and school
•  Financial proposals from finalists
SELECTION PROCESS –
RECOMMENDATIONS
•  High School: Big Ideas Algebra
•  Middle School: Big Ideas Math, including Algebra
•  Elementary Schools: enVision 2.0
STRENGTHS OF EACH PROGRAM:
HIGH SCHOOL
•  Alignment with the PA Common Core Standards
with more rigor.
•  Alignment with the new PSAT and SAT exams.
•  Online access to textbook and resources for iPad.
•  Interactive Whiteboard Lessons that are SMART
compatible.
•  Lesson Tutorial Videos / STEM Videos to motivate
lesson.
•  Online assessment tools
•  Parent resources
STRENGTHS OF EACH PROGRAM:
MIDDLE SCHOOL
•  Goal: Enable more students to experience Algebra by
the end of 8th grade
•  Allowed us to choose a path to get more students to Algebra
by 8th grade
•  Greater alignment to the Core Standards: More rigor and
requires HOT’s; what used to be introduced/mastered in
Algebra I is now an expectation of 8th grade--e.g. linear
equations
•  Teachers liked the CMP2 as a program, but found that there
was a lack of continuity between the grades (even from Elem.
and on to HS)—this program will help improve the continuity
•  Mathematical Practices and grade-level content are
intertwined—a continuous program between grade levels
•  Frequent real-world applications
STRENGTHS OF EACH PROGRAM:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
•  Core aligned, with increased rigor
•  Built-in differentiation
•  Consumable books, with online editions for each
child
•  Online assessment tools that create individual
pathways
•  Parent resources
•  Step Up lessons
•  Teacher training videos included
•  New technology
NEXT STEPS
•  School Board approval of District budget for
2015-2016
•  Teacher Professional Development – Summer 2015 &
throughout 2015-2016 school year
•  Parent Math Nights – Fall 2015