EUREKA! We’ve got some BIG IDEAS!
The buzz phrase when it comes to K-12 math is “productive struggle.” This is a reference to a shift in teaching practices that is increasing the interactive, conceptual part of math, making students work to understand the “why” behind the question and the answer. It’s something that teachers, students and parents are still adjusting to at all grade levels.
ELEMENTARY This is the third year of the Eureka Math curriculum for our K-6 students. Eureka is an Open Educational Resource, which means it’s all online. But director of curriculum and professional development, Mary Sewright, said just because there’s not a physical book, doesn’t mean there’s not a lot of paper involved. “Our print shop is wonderful. They produce all of the handouts and everything that needs to be printed. We have it on a schedule and they get it out to teachers in a timely manner, so they’re getting things as they need them.” The success of Bethel’s implementation of Eureka Math has been noticed on a national level. “I got a call from the CEO of Eureka,” said executive director of elementary education, Kelley Boynton. “She said, ‘We’re so impressed with the work you’ve done in Bethel and the success you’ve had, we really want to partner with you.’” Boynton was asked if Bethel wanted to be a part of the Eureka Fellows program, which uses local teachers to present professional development about Eureka Math across the country. “It sounded like such a great
10 BethelPride
Liberty Middle School’s Sarah Sinnes works with her students using Big Ideas math. This is the district’s fourth year using the curriculum.