Current research on strong mathematics instruction forces educators to look critically at current instructional practices and ask some very difficult questions. What are the essential mathematical issues that our students need to learn? Are we presenting mathematical content in such a manner that fosters student interaction? Are teachers able to make the connections among mathematical topics explicit for students? Do we encourage mental computation? Can our students present themselves as mathematically literate? These questions have guided our journey toward the adoption of new programs at various grade levels and have allowed us to begin a long-term discussion about mathematics instruction in Gloucester Township.
     Everyday Math is the elementary program for all regular education classrooms in grades K - 5. This program is a research-based response to the National Science Foundation's cry for better math education. The University of Chicago responded and fielded tested their curriculum in numerous classrooms across the United States prior to publication. Everyday Math incorporates basic skills while encouraging students to understand why math is important and how they reached their answer. Students and teachers are held to higher expectations and the program strives to allow all participants to become mathematical thinkers. The Everyday Math program relies on a spiral approach to curriculum design so that concepts come up over and over again in various contexts. The program also relies heavily on game play to practice basic skills. Using this format instead of the tradition “drill and kill” worksheet approach allows students to work at their own level and practice the skills most important to their learning in a fun and relaxed manner.
     During the 2008 – 2009 academic year, all students in regular education K – 2 classrooms used this program. While the transition to the program was difficult in the beginning, teachers overwhelmingly praised the results. Students were doing more “math” earlier and had a much deeper conceptual understanding of the material presented. Also during the 2008 – 2009 academic year, 22 classrooms in grades 3 – 5 piloted the new program. These teachers were able to provide the Supervisor of Mathematics and the Math Coaches with valuable information for the rest of the grades 3 – 5 teachers who will use the program beginning in September 2009.
     Connected Math is the program used in all Middle School regular education classrooms with the exception of seventh grade Pre-Algebra and eighth grade Algebra. This program continues to focus on enabling students to develop a clear understanding of mathematical principles and problem-solving, while still maintaining a high level of computational accuracy and mental math strategies.
 Mathematics education in Gloucester Township is moving in the right direction. It is our desire to make all our students mathematically literate with a strong problem-solving ability that they are able to use in a wide variety of situations. We believe that the combination of Everyday Math and Connected Math will enable us to ensure that.