Curriculum 2.0 Math: Key Facts

The improvements to the math curriculum are in response to several factors and will result in MCPS students having a stronger, more comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts. Reasons include:

• The adoption of the internationally-driven Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and new, more difficult assessments being developed by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), of which Maryland is a member (See an example of the new assessments below)
• The changing demands of the work force, including 21st century skills, such as , collaboration, persistence, critical thinking, and creative thinking
• Community and staff feedback, including the recommendations of the MCPS Math Work Group
• The University System of Maryland’s admissions expectation that students complete Algebra 2 and/or another significant math course in their senior year

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) demand a higher level of thinking in math for all students.
Computation and procedures were sufficient to reach success in previous curriculum and assessments. The CCSS requires students to show greater depth by demonstrating their Understanding, Computing, Applying, Reasoning, and Engagement (UCARE) in mathematics. As a result, the math content at each grade level is more difficult than previous curriculum.

Curriculum 2.0 expands access to higher-level math courses.
MCPS designed C2.0 so that all students can reach Algebra 1 by Grade 8. The curriculum was intentionally designed to build a strong foundation in number sense in the earliest grades so that all students will be well prepared for the challenging courses in middle school that lead to Algebra 1 completion in Grade 8. Students who meet this goal will have the option to enroll in an AP mathematics course in high school. Even students who do not reach Algebra 1 in Grade 8 will still be able to complete Algebra 2 in high school, meeting one of the University System of Maryland entrance requirements.

Curriculum 2.0 asks more of students and provides a higher level of challenge for all students:

• Deeper Content: Following the CCSS, the elementary program is designed to go deeper in the topics of number (counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals) to ensure that students have a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced content.
• Demonstrate Knowledge: Students at all levels are expected to express a deep understanding of the math content they are studying before moving to more advanced content. This means students will need to demonstrate their understanding in multiple ways, beyond just memorizing a formula or single procedure for solving a problem.
• Applying Knowledge and Skills: C2.0 includes enrichment and acceleration options added by MCPS to ensure that students who demonstrate understanding of a topic will be able to deepen and extend their learning.

Curriculum 2.0 mathematics includes enrichment and acceleration opportunities.
MCPS Curriculum 2.0 exceeds the requirements of the Common Core State Standards. Based on feedback from national experts, MCPS created acceleration and enrichment opportunities not included in the Common Core State Standards for students who need it. MCPS also went beyond the Common Core State Standards to design options for students to reach Geometry in Grade 8.

Curriculum 2.0 mathematics includes options for above-grade-level acceleration.
Students who demonstrate readiness through an identification process at the end of Grade 3 will have the option to enroll in the Grades 4/5 compacted Math course. It is important to note that due to the increase in the rigor of the grade level curriculum, far fewer students than in previous years will need to skip a grade level in elementary mathematics to be challenged.

Where can I find additional information about the compacted Grades 4/5 course?

Information for parents on Curriculum 2.0 mathematics can be found online at https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/math/ and includes informational brochures, parent videos, and PowerPoint presentations for use at meetings.