With all of the distractions of the modern world, attracting and maintaining the attention of students in the classroom takes a lot of effort. As in all aspects of life, we learn to adapt and change in order to achieve better results.
Upper Township School District has embarked on a new journey with their adoption of the iReady Math Program, a student-centered core math classroom curriculum that’s already successfully supporting teachers in schools across the country.
In education, one of the greatest challenges is that although the basic curriculum may remain constant, the current students and the teacher’s approach to presenting the material is constantly changing. In our fast-paced world of technology, demands are being made to create opportunities for teachers to touch a broad spectrum of learners.
Allison Pessalano, superintendent of Upper Township School District, and Danielle Procopio, curriculum coordinator, recently met with me to discuss the new math program that has been introduced in their district.
After evaluating resources and studying test scores, they decided to adopt the new program, iReady Class Math. By creating thinking classrooms through interaction rather than lecture, foundational skills are learned through hands-on activities and challenging conversations. Students learn through use of manipulatives as well as technology. Additionally, they can put their skills to use through project-based learning.
According to Pessalano, the teachers are enthusiastic about the program. They are better able to meet the needs of all levels of students, challenging each individual. As with anything new, it will take time to adjust to the change, but preliminary assessments show that the students are being challenged.
Additionally, every student has more time to think and process through interaction with the teacher and classmates. The program touches the whole spectrum of learners in a single classroom.
One of the most important and useful methods for improving education is collaboration, among students in the classroom and teachers within the district and beyond. Cape May County curriculum supervisors meet monthly to share ideas and also participate in cross-district professional development.
According to Pessalano, the job of the district is to focus on the academic success of the students. Education and learning are constantly evolving, and the challenge is to stay in front of the change. With focus on what is right for the students, it is the goal of both teachers and administrators to make sure that, mathematically speaking, it all adds up to greater success for all.
