Mathematics Programs

K-8 Mathematics Programs:

Connected Math Project 2 (CMP2) and
Investigations in Number Sense, Data, and Space

High School Mathematics Text Books:

Foerster Algebra I & II and Jurgenson Geometry

Read below for detailed information about these district programs, district mathematics partnerships, curriculum maps, and Math and Science Connection Newsletters (practical ways for parents/guardians to promote children's math and science skills).
Math and Science Connection Newsletters
 
Beginning Edition -
Primary Grade Parents
Intermediate Edition -
Upper Elementary and Middle School Parents
September - December
January
February
March

Math Connection (Beginning Edition) is a monthly newsletter for parents of children in the primary grades. The newsletter provides parents with practical and easy math activities to incorporate into daily life.  The tips and activities in the articles can be used to build children’s math skills and help children develop a love of math

Math Connection (Intermediate Edition) is a monthly newsletter for parents of children in upper elementary and middle school. The newsletter is filled with ideas, motivation, and tips to help parents support their children's academic achievement. The articles offer easy tips and activities that parents can immediately use to build their children’s math skills.

Holyoke Public Schools Math Programs

Connected Math Project 2 (CMP2) is a researched based program that is being used for middle school mathematics instruction. The overarching goal of the program is that all students be able to reason and communicate proficiently in mathematics. CMP helps students develop an understanding of important concepts, skills, procedures, and ways of thinking and reasoning in number sense, measurement, geometry, algebra, probability and statistics. The concepts are embedded in engaging problems that students explore individually, in a small group, or with a whole class. The problems presented over time give student practice with important concepts, related skills, and algorithms. A three-phased workshop model that support s problem centered instruction is used to deliver the curriculum in these classes. Teachers have had opportunities for training in CMP2 made available to them through district initiatives, America’s Choice On-Grade Level Training, and CMP Training from Lesley University and Pearson Learning. The District Math Coaches and Lesley University will continue to provide teachers with training in the mathematical content and implementation of lessons.

Investigations in Number Sense, Data, and Space (MI) is a student-centered, inquiry-based program based on how children best learn. It is designed to help all elementary children understand the fundamental ideas of numbers, arithmetic, geometry, data, measurement, and algebraic thinking. MI is designed to encourage students to reason mathematically, develop problem solving strategies, and represent their thinking using models and graphs, and communicate their thinking as outlined in the Principles and Standards for Mathematics from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Students explore the central topics in-depth through a series of investigations as they are actively engaged in working to solve larger mathematical problems. Lesley University has been the major provider for teachers, with continued grade level trainings in mathematical content and lesson implementation. 


The Math programs are implemented using the Workshop Model. This three-phase instructional workshop model used to deliver instruction in all math classrooms in grades K - 8. In the initial phase, Launch or Opening – the teacher sets the problem, introduces new ideas, clarifies definitions reviews, old concepts, and connects to past experiences without lowering the challenge of the task. During the second phase, Explore or Work Time – students work independently or in small groups to gather data, share ideas, look for patterns, and make conjectures. In the final phase Summary or Closing – the students present and discuss their solutions as well as the strategies they used as the teacher guides them to reach the mathematical goal of the class and connect their new understanding to prior knowledge. Teachers have had opportunities for training on the workshop model made available to them through district initiatives, America’s Choice On-Grade Level Training, CMP Training from Lesley University and Pearson Learning, and Math Investigations Training from Hampshire Educational Collaborative. District Math Coaches will continue to work with teachers to enhance the implementation of the program and help to deepen the understanding and connection of the mathematical strands.


Curriculum Maps for K – 8 have been designed to ensure that students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum in every school and every grade, and to have consistent instruction and assessment district wide. The district’s expectation is for students to successfully meet the Massachusetts Mathematics Standards and to score at the proficient range on the MCAS test in mathematics. In order to facilitate this, teachers are required to follow the curriculum maps. The successful implementation of these maps requires teachers to work through the project and problems prior to planning their lessons. The math coaches and other district personnel were trained in curriculum mapping by America’s Choice, became the principle architects of the documents, and are now providing professional development to the grade level teachers as the first of these maps are available.

57 Suffolk Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone: (413) 534-2000
Fax: (413) 534-3730