Alvin ISD is taking significant strides to enhance its math education. Fulvia Shaw, Executive Director of Curriculum, shared the state of math in our district with the Board of Trustees during the May board meeting. The district's approach, which combines content, curriculum, and coaching, aims to build strong mathematical foundations for all students, ensuring their success from elementary through high school.
At the core of Alvin ISD's math curriculum are ten key habits. These habits include taking risks, making mistakes, precision, rising to challenges, asking questions, connecting ideas, using intuition, reasoning, proving, and working both collaboratively and independently. By fostering these habits, the curriculum not only aligns with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) but also emphasizes hands-on activities and research-based instruction.
Alvin ISD recognizes the importance of support systems for teachers, students, and parents. Thanks to the support of our Board of Trustees, Alvin ISD is able to provide an Instructional coach on each campus. Instructional coaches play a pivotal role, offering ongoing curriculum adjustments, model lessons, feedback, and tailored student group interventions based on performance needs. Additionally, the district organizes family nights and academic events to engage parents and enhance their involvement in their children's education.
The presentation highlighted the district’s performance on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Alvin ISD consistently outperformed state averages in several grade levels, showcasing a positive trend in mathematical proficiency. These achievements are attributed to campus based instructional coaches, small group instruction, and ongoing professional development for teachers.
At the high school level, Alvin ISD offers a diverse range of math courses designed to meet graduation requirements and prepare students for college, careers, and military readiness. The curriculum includes 13 unique courses, from Algebra to AP Calculus and Statistics, as well as dual enrollment options with Alvin Community College. The district's focus on addressing unfinished learning and providing elective credits ensures that all students, including those struggling or excelling, receive the support they need.
Looking ahead, Alvin ISD plans to deepen its instructional strategies and continue building the ten habits of mathematicians. The 2024-25 Summer Academy will focus on enhancing initial instruction, while coordinators and instructional coaches will work towards vertical alignment through the "Math Pact" by Barbara J. Dougherty, Karen S. Karp, and Sarah B. Bush. These efforts aim to create a uniform curriculum, ensuring consistency in teaching methods, vocabulary, and representation across all grade levels.
Alvin ISD's commitment to improving math education through a well-rounded approach of content, curriculum, and coaching is evident in its students' achievements and ongoing initiatives. By fostering essential mathematical habits and providing strong support systems, the district is setting the stage for future success, equipping students with the skills they need to excel academically and beyond.