Weakley County Schools Level Up with Adoption of Districtwide K-12 Math Curriculum
For the first time, Weakley County Schools have adopted a comprehensive math curriculum spanning all grades, K-12. The implementation of a math program tailored to meet the needs of students at every grade level marks a significant milestone for the district.
The district's Textbook Committee, comprised of 29 educators representing all grade bands, performed a diligent review and evaluation of several curricula programs. Savvas enVision Math Curriculum was selected as the most fitting curriculum to meet the needs of all students, ensuring appropriateness, rigor, and alignment with Tennessee's instructional standards.
Megan Moore is the district’s K-5 Math Coach. Moore also served as a math advisory panelist for the State Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission. She believes that the new curriculum is a big deal for Weakley County Schools.
"This implementation is a landmark event. In the past, different curricula were used for various grade bands. This adoption is cohesive and districtwide. Savvas enVision aligns well with our instructional vision that prioritizes the needs of students and focuses on high-quality, standards-based instruction. It is important that we continue to foster an environment where students feel safe to take risks and view mistakes as learning opportunities, and this curriculum supports that methodology,” Moore emphasized.
To facilitate the seamless adoption and implementation of the new curriculum, Weakley County Schools secured a two-year Math Implementation Support Grant from the State of Tennessee Board Department. This grant has allowed the district to enlist the support of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) as an instructional vendor, ensuring that teachers receive training, guidance, and support for best practices in teaching the new curriculum.
The new curriculum offers benefits for students and parents/guardians. Clear language in the text helps parents better understand what students are learning and encourages parental involvement in the child’s learning. The structured framework helps build a solid foundation of understanding that provides consistency across classrooms and all of the district’s schools. Designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge for all career paths, it promotes critical thinking and problem-solving. The curriculum also aligns with Tennessee’s instructional standards.
Included as a free resource for students and parents are Savvas BouncePages. Using a smartphone or mobile device, students and/or parents can snap a picture of a pre-tagged page in a Savvas textbook. Interactive video animations are launched that turn the Savvas enVision textbook pages into virtual lessons, bringing the text to life. The resource is another great way to get help with homework or to offer a new perspective on looking at a math problem.
In partnership with NIET, the district’s educators, math coaches, and school leaders are defining the framework for the new curriculum. The execution includes ongoing training, improvements to teaching pedagogy, and a focus on assessment outcomes to make important instructional decisions.
Terri Stephenson, Supervisor of Elementary Instruction, noted that the goal is growth as well as achievement.
“Students are so much more than a score or a letter on a report card, and our teachers work hard to make sure that students recognize that fact. While one aim through Savvas is to increase overall students’ achievement on TCAP testing in grades 3-12, growing each student is equally important. We’re confident that this new curriculum will help us along the path to our achievement and growth goals while creating mathematical thinkers and confident problem solvers. We believe in our teachers, and we believe in our students,” Stephenson shared.
Assistant Director of Schools Betsi Foster is inspired by the hard work of teachers, students, and the district’s leadership team.
“Teachers and school leaders are working together with a unified vision of student success. We have motivated educators, a dedicated district leadership team, and students in our district who are full of potential. Having this new curriculum is increasing collaboration, re-energizing planning, and supporting teachers who are providing the best possible education for every student. With a team like ours, there’s no limit to what our students can accomplish,” praised Foster.
To get started using Savvas BouncePages, click the BouncePages image on the scroller on the home page of the school district’s website, weakleycountyschools.com.