So, like, when I think back on my days as a math teacher, I can’t help but remember all the quirky math-themed gifts I got from my students during Teacher Appreciation Week. From a personalized calculator to a coffee mug covered in equations, I received it all. But you know what would have really made my day as a math teacher? Access to a top-notch curriculum. I’m talking about a curriculum that’s rich in content, helps students truly grasp and apply math concepts in a meaningful way, and most importantly, supports teachers’ expertise instead of overshadowing it.
Studies show that providing teachers with high-quality instructional materials, along with professional development that aligns with these materials, is like a magic formula for boosting students’ math skills. Not to mention, having access to top-notch materials saves teachers a ton of time since they usually spend hours each week hunting for or creating their own resources. And let’s be real, who has time for that when you’re already swamped with grading papers and dealing with classroom shenanigans?
Ensuring that teachers have access to high-quality instructional materials is totally in line with the California Mathematics Council’s mission to create a thriving math community that fosters effective teaching and learning for all students in the state. We believe that developing strong math skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities is crucial for our students’ future success and the overall state economy. However, despite our best efforts, recent data from the Nation’s Report Card reveals that California students are lagging behind the national average in math achievement. Like, what’s up with that? We’ve got some serious catching up to do, folks.
