CPS asked schools participating in the initiative to choose one of nine math or science instructional programs that are research-based and have a proven national track record. Sixty-one choose math, the rest, science. Here’s a snapshot of the programs.
Everyday Mathematics
Grades K-6
Developed in the mid-1980s by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. Students learn basic math through real-life applications and integrating math into other subjects. Algebra concepts are presented in kindergarten and students investigate mathematical ideas in greater depth each year. www.everydaymath.uchicago.edu
Math Trailblazers
Grades K-5
A Teaching Integrated Mathematics and Science Project (TIMS) curriculum developed by the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1997. Emphasis is on gathering, organizing, graphing data and analyzing the results. Math is also integrated into other subject areas, especially science and language arts. www.mathtrailblazers.com
Connected Mathematics
Grades 6-8
Developed in 1988 by Michigan State University. Students learn math skills through solving problems alone or in groups. Program includes 24 units, eight for each grade, and assessment materials. www.math.msu.edu/cmp
MATHThematics
Grades 6-8
Developed by the University of Montana. Math modules focus on themes and applications that engage middle school students, such as graphing the path of a space shuttle or conducting an ice cream survey to learn about mean, median and mode. www.mlmath.com
Full Option Science System (FOSS)
Grades K-6
Developed by the University of California at Berkeley. Uses hands-on activities to focus on life science, physical science, earth science and scientific reasoning and technology. Also, incorporates reading and writing skills. www.lhs.berkeley.edu/foss/
Issues, Evidence, and You
Grade 8
Developed in 1992 by the Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP) at the University of California at Berkeley. Year-long physical science course with a focus on environmental issues such as water usage, materials disposal, and energy. www.lhs.berkeley.edu/sepup/
Science and Life Issues
Grade 7
Developed by the Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP) at the University of California at Berkeley. Uses life sciences to teach scientific thinking, personal and societal decision making and how to use science to predict events. Career component introduces students to science and technology profession. www.lhs.berkeley.edu/sepup/
Science and Technology for Children
Grades 1-6
Developed by the National Science Resource Center, a Washington, D.C.,-based program operated by the Smithsonian Institution, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Medicine. Program uses hands-on activities to explore life science, physical science, earth science and technology. www.si.edu/nsrc/pubs/stc/stcmats/.htm
Learning Technologies in Urban Schools (LeTUS)
Grades 6-8
Developed in 1997 by The Center for Learning Technology in Urban Schools at Northwestern University. Project-based curriculum allows teachers to guide students to become scientists by obtaining data and analyzing it on their own. www.letus.org