1. New Geometry Instructional Resource- Illustrative Math
Rationale:
Summary of the Briefing:
We have been using enVision Algebra I, enVision Algebra II, and Glencoe Geometry textbooks as our core instructional resources. Our district has engaged in a program review of Illustrative Mathematics (IM) using edreports.org (which passed all gateways and is the highest ranked high school program) and are requesting to use this as our core program.
Bethel High School teachers are currently piloting the Geometry program and have piloted lessons from Algebra I while Bethel Middle School teachers are already implementing it (the Board has approved it for BMS).
IM is an Open Educational Resource (OER). All of the materials can be accessed online and printed for free. Manuals and professional learning can be purchased.
Equity is at the center of the IM program
Progressions of learning that require a cycle of invitation, deep study, consolidation, and application recurs throughout the program.
Environment where instructional routines (i.e. Notice & Wonder, Stronger and Clearer Each Time, Which One Doesn’t Belong) are open with no “right” answer to the prompt valuing contributions and differing perspectives
Multiple pathways that require reasoning, problem solving, or modeling encouraging an approach that makes sense to the learner.
Every lesson includes support for English learners as well as identifying anticipating misconceptions for “just in time” teaching with supports and scaffolds.
All of our BHS math teachers attended IM training prior to the pilot including topics on problem based learning and instructional routines.
There are no associated costs to adopting this program other than purchasing a teacher’s manual for the teachers needing one and providing professional learning which was already paid for in our current budget.
We currently use the book, The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People, 8th Edition, 2013, Cengage Learning
We are bringing forward a new textbook for a AP US History course, The American Pageant: AP Edition, 17th edition, 2020**** Note revised copyright date from last meeting
We selected this book for several reasons:
This textbook is set up to mirror the AP U.S. History revised timeline and is organized according to the nine units of study, including opportunities for students to practice the distinct skills that students should practice throughout the year to help them learn to think and act like historians.
Builds critical thinking skills, makes connections between different periods in history, prepares students to explain and analyze connections and trends throughout the book
Includes diverse cultural perspectives, varying viewpoints, and diverse voices that shaped American identity
Includes skill based questions to help students practice AP test taking strategies
The textbook includes a plethora of primary source materials
The primary author is a noted american historian and pulitzer prize winner
The requested bundle (textbook, test preparation book, and Mindtrap digital textbook) includes a combination of print and online access to maximize student accessibility and engagement
This book is one of many included on the recommended textbook list from the College Board (it is the best selling AP US History book) and is a “college-level U.S. history textbook “published within the last 10 years” that “meets the AP Course Audit curricular requirements.”
Phone contact as well as a follow up communication (attached) has gone out to the 15 families whose children were still signed up for the Costa Rica trip this summer.
The trip is being cancelled due to the health and safety risks of our students and staff.
Parents have the options of:
receiving a full refund less $500 (In the event travel to Costa Rica is prohibited due to COVID, parents can receive a full refund less $350)
request a future travel voucher of the full refund. The voucher from EF Tours can be used for future travel programming and is valid through September 2023.
