June 2, 2015

 The need for a math program to address the Low percentage of students in the proficient range on the 11 th grade Math NECAP started the discussion of looking for a district wide solution.  Collaboratively the High School and all feeding K-8 school administrators and teachers studied, researched and were presented math programs that would align with the new Common Core State Standards and bring consistency to math instruction K -12.  In-Focus Math (Singapore) was chosen district wide as the math program.

 The Plymouth Regional High School Board approved the purchase of the math program for all K-8 elementary schools  (2012) - HCS began K – 2 ◦ Training ongoing with K-2 teachers/3-5  (2013) – HCS 3-5 ◦ Training ongoing with 3-5/6-8  (2014) – HCS 6 - 8

 Common Core State Standards essentially require that all students in grade 8 be proficient in Algebra I.  Prior to these standards Algebra I was considered advanced, it now has become the standard.  This change essentially required that all math taught from K-8 would be pushed down a grade. ( Example 2 nd grade would be learning 3 rd grade math concepts)

 Algebra I will no longer be a single identifiable math class offered in 8 th grade. All SAU 48 schools are making this change.  HCS will now offer: ◦ Accelerated Math 8 ◦ Math 8  We continue to see incredible growth in math especially in the lower grades.  Our 2 nd grade has been in the program since they began in Kindergarten.  We are sending the first class of 8 th graders to PRHS who have had In Focus math and been exposed entirely to CCSS.

 As the K-8 schools implement these math changes, the high school has also had to examine their math program and offerings to incoming freshman. 1. Algebra I A & B –Meets everyday and is equal to Alg. I at the end of the year. 2. Algebra I – Meets every other day – year long 3. Algebra I Accelerated – Meets every other day-year long moves faster 4. Algebra II – Meets every other day 5. Algebra II Honors meets every other day

 HCS Middle School Math Teacher I. Praxis II Math Excellence Award II. Former Singapore Math Teacher Trainer III. Math Literacy Coach IV. Common Core State Standards curriculum development V. Taught Middle School Math & Lakes Region Middle School in Naples Maine. VI. She is International Baccalaureate (IB) trained in middle level education.