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Report Overview
Summary of Alignment & Usability: Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional | Math
Math High School
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for alignment to the CCSSM for high school. For focus and coherence, the series showed strengths in the following areas: attending to the full intent of the mathematical content contained in the standards, attending to the full intent of the modeling process, spending the majority of time on the content from CCSSM widely applicable as prerequisites, allowing students to fully learn each standard, requiring students to engage in mathematics at a level of sophistication appropriate to high school, and being mathematically coherent and making meaningful connections in a single course and throughout the series. In Gateway 2, the materials meet expectations for rigor and practice-content connections. In Gateway 3, the materials meet expectations for Usability.
High School
View Full ReportEdReports reviews determine if a program meets, partially meets, or does not meet expectations for alignment to college and career-ready standards. This rating reflects the overall series average.
Alignment (Gateway 1 & 2)
Materials must meet expectations for standards alignment in order to be reviewed for usability. This rating reflects the overall series average.
Usability (Gateway 3)
Report for High School
Alignment Summary
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for alignment to the CCSSM for high school. For focus and coherence, the series showed strengths in the following areas: attending to the full intent of the mathematical content contained in the standards, attending to the full intent of the modeling process, spending the majority of time on the content from CCSSM widely applicable as prerequisites, allowing students to fully learn each standard, requiring students to engage in mathematics at a level of sophistication appropriate to high school, and being mathematically coherent and making meaningful connections in a single course and throughout the series. In Gateway 2, the materials meet expectations for rigor and practice-content connections.
High School
Alignment (Gateway 1 & 2)
Usability (Gateway 3)
Overview of Gateway 1
Focus & Coherence
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for Focus and Coherence. The materials meet expectations for: attending to the full intent of the mathematical content for all students; attending to the full intent of the modeling process; spending the majority of time on content widely applicable as prerequisites; allowing students to fully learn each standard; engaging students in mathematics at a level of sophistication appropriate to high school; and making meaningful connections in a single course and throughout the series. The materials partially meet expectations for explicitly identifying and building on knowledge from Grades 6-8 to the high school standards.
Criterion 1.1: Focus and Coherence
Materials are coherent and consistent with “the high school standards that specify the mathematics which all students should study in order to be college and career ready” (p. 57 CCSSM).
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for Focus and Coherence. The materials meet expectations for: attending to the full intent of the mathematical content for all students; attending to the full intent of the modeling process; spending the majority of time on content widely applicable as prerequisites; allowing students to fully learn each standard; engaging students in mathematics at a level of sophistication appropriate to high school; and making meaningful connections in a single course and throughout the series. The materials partially meet expectations for explicitly identifying and building on knowledge from Grades 6-8 to the high school standards.
Indicator 1A
Materials focus on the high school standards.
Indicator 1A.i
Materials attend to the full intent of the mathematical content contained in the high school standards for all students.
The instructional materials reviewed for the Carnegie Learning Math Solutions Traditional series meet expectations for attending to the full intent of the mathematical content contained in the high school standards for all students. The instructional materials include few instances where all aspects of the non-plus standards are not addressed across the courses of the series.
The following are examples of standards addressed by the courses of the series:
N-RN.3: In Algebra I, Module 3, Topic 1, Lesson 2, Activity 5, students explain how the properties of rational exponents extend from the properties of integer exponents. Students consider calculations between numbers and determine to which number set the answer belongs. For example, students determine if the product of a nonzero rational number and an irrational number is sometimes, always, or never equal to a rational number.
A-REI.1: In Algebra I, Module 2, Topics 1 and 2, students use properties of equality to solve equations and inequalities. Students check and justify their solutions.
F-IF.7c: In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 2, students identify zeros, predict the shape of a function by sketching the graph and labeling the zeros, and check their solutions using a graphing calculator. Students use technology to graph, identify domain and range, determine intervals of increasing and decreasing, and the x- and y-intercepts. In the same module, Topic 3, Lesson 3, Activity 2, students encounter the definition of end behavior and complete a table to describe end behavior.
G-CO.3: In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 2 Lessons 1-5, students describe symmetry in a rectangle and reflectional symmetry in a square. Students also determine if shapes have rotational or reflectional symmetry and are asked to “describe the reflections and rotations that can carry each figure onto itself.”
S-CP.3: In Geometry, Module 5, Topic 2, students use conditional probability to solve problems and identify independent or dependent events. Also in the topic, students use an example of conditional probability and determine if the probability of A given B is the same as the probability of A.
The following non-plus standards are not fully addressed:
A-REI.5: There was no evidence found where the materials or students prove, or are shown how to prove, that given a system of two equations in two variables, replacing one equation by the sum of that equation and a multiple of the other produces a system with the same solutions.
Indicator 1A.ii
Materials attend to the full intent of the modeling process when applied to the modeling standards.
The materials reviewed for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meets expectations for attending to the full intent of the modeling process when applied to the modeling standards. Materials intentionally develop the full intent of the modeling process throughout the series leading to culminating experiences that address all, or nearly all, of the modeling standards.
Examples where the full intent of the modeling process is used to address modeling standards across the courses of the series include:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 4, Getting Started, students play a game involving moving an entire stack of discs or coins from a starting circle to any of the other circles while only moving one disc/coin at a time, and not putting a larger disc on top of a smaller disc. In Activity 1, students record their results from the game in a table, identify patterns in their results, and use mathematical notation to represent their pattern. Students make predictions about how accurate the pattern holds if additional discs/coins are added and then play the game to test their prediction. If student predictions are incorrect, they are encouraged to revisit their mathematical model and make adjustments or to start all over with a new model. Students write a conclusion stating the relationship between the number of discs and the minimum number of moves to complete the game (F-BF.2).
In Algebra I, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 4, students use data relating a driver’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and the probability of a driver causing an accident to create a model predicting the likelihood of a person causing an accident based on their BAC. While the problem is partially defined for the students, students formulate their own models (e.g., table, graph, and equation) and use those models to predict probabilities that drivers will cause an accident. Students interpret their findings to determine when a driver’s BAC is high enough to cause an accident and formulate guidelines around when it is safe for a person to drive, regardless of the legal BAC driving requirements. Students use their models to validate their guidelines as they engage in discussion with classmates over “safe to drive” vs. “legally able to drive.” In Lesson 4, Activity 2, students report their findings in an article written for the newsletter of the local chapter of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) (N-Q.2 and S-ID.6a).
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Assessments, Performance Task, Trigonometry: “It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s … a Drone?”students are given information about drones flown by Jeremy and Leslie. Students determine which drone is higher, the difference between the heights, and the distance between Jeremy’s and Leslie’s locations on the ground. Students consider if Jeremy flies his drone the same height as Leslie’s drone, and they explain why the angle of elevation from Jeremy’s location is different from the angle of elevation between Leslie’s location on the ground and her drone. Students calculate the angle of elevation from Jeremy’s location on the ground to his drone to validate their reasoning. According to the rubric, students provide a labeled drawing, including all given measurements and calculated measurements. Students formulate their own equation in order to compute whose drone is higher and the difference between the heights of the drone. Students compute the distance between Jeremy and Leslie with supporting work. Students provide an explanation as well as validation to support their work (G-SRT.1).
In Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 3, Performance Task, Exponential and Logarithmic Equations: “Bug Off!”students are given information about a particular insect. Students determine how many insects they could be at the end of a certain year based on the insect current population, year discovered and how much the insects continually increase by. Additionally, students determine when the number of insects would reach one million, and analyze another group of scientists' work to calculate what monthly rate they are using to predict their number of insects after a certain period of time. Students are introduced to a new group of insects with its own set of characteristics and must determine after how many months would the two populations of insects be equal. Students provide an explanation as well as validation to support their work (A.REI.11, F.BF.5,F.LE.4).
In Algebra II, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 1, Activity 3, students design and implement a plan to find out how much time teens, ages 16-18, spend online daily. Students select a data collection method and formulate questions. In Lesson 2, Talk the Talk, students select a sampling method and conduct their survey. In Lesson 3, Activity 4, students calculate the sample mean and the sample standard deviation of their data and use this information to determine the 95% confidence interval for the range of values for the time teenagers, ages 16-18, spend online each day. In Lesson 4, Activity 4, students apply their calculations from Lesson 3, Activity 4 and use statistical significance to make inferences about the population based on their collected data. In Lesson 5, Activity 1, students report the results by writing a conclusion that answers their question of interest using their data analysis to justify the conclusion. The modeling process is scaffolded for the students through the five activities (S-IC.1-6).
Indicator 1B
Materials provide students with opportunities to work with all high school standards and do not distract students with prerequisite or additional topics.
Indicator 1B.i
Materials, when used as designed, allow students to spend the majority of their time on the content from CCSSM widely applicable as prerequisites for a range of college majors, postsecondary programs, and careers.
The instructional materials reviewed for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series, when used as designed, meet expectations for allowing students to spend the majority of their time on the CCSSM widely applicable as prerequisites for a range of college majors, postsecondary programs, and careers. The materials do not include distracting content that would keep students from engaging with the standards identified as widely applicable prerequisites (WAPs).
Examples of how the materials allow students to spend the majority of their time on the WAPs include, but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 2, students rewrite radical expressions and rational expressions using the properties of exponents. In Geometry, Module 2, Topic 2, Lesson 4, students use and rewrite rational expressions arising from trigonometric ratios in special right triangles. In Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 1, Lesson 4, students write radical expressions with rational exponents, rewrite the radicands of variable expressions, and compute the sums/differences of irrational numbers in algebraic expressions. (N-RN)
In Algebra 1, Module 5, Topic 1, Lesson 2, Activity 4, students factor quadratic expressions and graph them in order to find the zeros (A SSE.3a). Also, in Algebra 1, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 4, students complete the square to transform quadratics into vertex form and find zeros in order to graph quadratics (A-SSE.3b).
In Algebra I in the MATHia software, students explore constant change, evaluate linear functions, complete charts, identify the input value, compute the equation by substituting, and determine the output value. In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 3, students explore the characteristics of polynomial functions. In Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 4, students write equations of exponential functions from patterns. In Algebra II, Module 4, students explore trigonometric functions. (F-IF)
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 1, students use dilations to create similar figures and establish criteria for determining similar triangles. Students use similarity to establish proportionality theorems and use similar triangles to solve problems (G-SRT.A, G-SRT.B). In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, students use similarity to determine constant ratios in right triangles and define trigonometric ratios (G-SRT.C).
The Statistics WAPs are addressed in Algebra I and Algebra II, and students have multiple opportunities to engage with the WAPs from this category.
Indicator 1B.ii
Materials, when used as designed, allow students to fully learn each standard.
The instructional materials reviewed for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series, when used as designed, meet expectations for letting students fully learn each non-plus standard. However, the instructional materials for the series, when used as designed, do not enable students to fully learn a few of the non-plus standards.
Examples of the non-plus standards that would not be fully learned by students when using the materials as intended include:
A-SSE.4: In Algebra 2, Module 3, Topic 4, Lesson 1, Activity 1, students do not derive the formula for a geometric series. An example is provided and students analyze the example to find a pattern in one question with two parts. Underneath the question, the materials give the formula to compute any geometric series. Students use the geometric series to solve problems.
A-REI.4a: In Algebra 1, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 5, students complete the square in order to solve quadratic equations. The materials derive the quadratic formula by completing the square, but students do not derive the quadratic formula on their own.
A-REI.11: Students have limited opportunities to explain why the x-coordinates of the points where the graphs of two equations intersect are solutions. In Algebra 1, Module 2, Topic 3, Lesson 1, students find the intersection of two linear equations and explain why the x- and y-coordinates of the points where the graphs of a system intersect are solutions. In Algebra 1, Module 5, Topic 1, Lesson 1, Activity 3, students find the intersection of constant and quadratic equations and explain why the x- and y-coordinates of the points where the graphs intersect are solutions. In Algebra 1, Module 5, Topic 3, Lesson 2, students find the solutions to systems of quadratic equations. Students do not explain this relationship for absolute value, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
G-C.5: In Geometry, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 2, Getting Started, students use a dartboard of 20 sectors to determine the area of the entire dartboard and the area of one sector. Then students find the area of one sector if the dartboard was divided into 40 sectors. Students do not generalize their findings to a dartboard with n sectors and are given the formula for the area of a sector at the beginning of Lesson 2, Activity 1.
Indicator 1C
Materials require students to engage in mathematics at a level of sophistication appropriate to high school.
The instructional materials reviewed for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for engaging students in mathematics at a level of sophistication appropriate to high school. The instructional materials regularly use age appropriate contexts, use various types of real numbers, and provide opportunities for students to apply key takeaways from grades 6-8.
Examples of applying key takeaways include, but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic 1, students interpret key features of graphs in the context of a problem (8.F.4). In Lesson 1, Activity 1, students read scenarios, determine the graph which represents the scenario, and identify independent and dependent quantities. In Lesson 1, Activity 2, students compare and contrast the graphs they organized in the first sections.
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 1, students develop similarity standards (8.G.4). In Lesson 1, Activity 1, students dilate figures to create similar figures. In Activity Lesson 1, Activity 2, students establish similarity criteria. In Lesson 5, Activity 1, students apply knowledge of similar triangles in order to solve mathematical problems.
In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 5, students solve problems and apply knowledge of real numbers to determine to which set the answers belong. In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 6, students apply knowledge of real numbers to determine if solutions are a part of the real number system. These activities apply key takeaways from 6-8.NS involving integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers.
Examples of age appropriate contexts throughout the series include, but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic 3, Lesson 3, Activity 1, students construct a scatter plot that relates speed and braking distance.
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 2, Talk the Talk task, students relate road grades of mountainous areas to the angle of elevation.
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 1, Activity 2, students use a scenario regarding homecoming elections and how the results have been shared. Also in this lesson, students explore the pattern of a rumor spreading.
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 5, Activity 3, students apply a quadratic model to launching a free t-shirt to fans at a baseball game.
The instructional materials use various types of numbers throughout the series in expected places where numbers are naturally varied, such as trigonometry, regression models, and problems involving radicals and/or rational exponents. Examples of the materials using various types of numbers include, but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 5, Activity 4, students evaluate the discriminant of quadratic equations and the calculations include real, rational, irrational, and imaginary numbers.
In Geometry, Module 4, Topic 2, Lesson 3, Activity 2, students determine the intersection points for each system of equations involving a circle, including rational and irrational coordinates.
In Algebra II, Module 4, Topic 2, students use integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers in trigonometric functions and relationships.
Indicator 1D
Materials are mathematically coherent and make meaningful connections in a single course and throughout the series, where appropriate and where required by the Standards.
The instructional materials reviewed for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for being mathematically coherent and making meaningful connections in a single course and throughout the series. The instructional materials foster coherence through meaningful mathematical connections in a single course and throughout the series, where appropriate and where required by the Standards.
Examples of connections made across courses include, but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 3, Topic 1, and Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 1, students use rational exponents and their definitions in order to solve problems (N-RN.1).
In Algebra I, Module 5, Topics 1and 2, and Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 1, factoring, completing the square, and finding equivalent forms are connected. Students write equivalent forms and make connections between solutions, graphs, and other key details using the equivalent forms (i.e., connections between factors and zeros and completing the square to reveal the vertex or as an alternate way of solving an equation) (A-SSE.3).
In Algebra I, Topic 1 of Modules 1, 2, 3, and 5, and Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 1, Module 3, Topics 1-3, and Module 4, students use functions to model different situations. Although often confined to a specific type of function, students complete a process to develop understanding of why a certain function type is used in a context (F-IF.4).
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 3, and Module 2, Topic 3, Lesson 3, students transform rational and polynomial functions and sketch a graph involving a transformed function. Students apply knowledge of geometric transformations from Geometry Module 1 to transform a graph based on an equation (G-CO).
In Geometry, Module 4, Topic 2, Lesson 2, students use completing the square as a method for writing the equation of a circle. Students also use completing the square as a way to calculate minimum and maximum values in Algebra I, Module 5, Topics 6 and 7, and in Geometry, they determine the equation of a circle in standard form using the same method (A-SSE.B).
The following examples are instances where meaningful connections are made within courses:
In Algebra I, average rate of change is addressed through linear functions in Module 2 and students explore average rate of change with exponentials in Module 3, including connections to a constant ratio for geometric sequences and the use of MATHia Software. Average rate of change is explored for quadratic functions in Module 5 (F-IF.6).
Transformations are used throughout the Geometry course. In Module 1, Topic 1, students are introduced to the idea of transformations where definitions for both transformations and rigid motion are given. In Topic 3, students explore the different rigid motions using simple geometric transformation machines, similar to function machines. In Module 2, Topic 1, Lesson 2, students use transformations to prove triangle congruence, and in Lesson 3 students use triangle congruence to solve problems (G-CO).
In Algebra II, students connect patterns to functions, tables, and graphs. In Module 1, students match scenarios, various function forms, tables, and graphs with linear, exponential, and quadratic functions. In Module 2, students factor, use long division, sketch graphs, and analyze tables. Students also write equations to solve problems from scenarios (A-SSE).
Indicator 1E
Materials explicitly identify and build on knowledge from Grades 6-8 to the high school standards.
The materials reviewed for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series partially meet expectations for explicitly identifying and building on knowledge from Grades 6-8 to the High School Standards. Although the materials explicitly identify the Grade 6-8 readiness standards being built upon in some lessons in The Coherence Maps, the connections between those standards from Grades 6-8 and high school standards are not clear.
The following are examples where the materials do not explicitly identify Grades 6-8 standards:
The Getting Ready states how the lessons in the module build upon students prior experiences and what they will be learning. However, the materials do not explicitly identify Grades 6-8 standards. In Algebra I, Module 1, Getting Ready, the materials state, “You will investigate a variety of function families, recognizing their key characteristics. You will build on your work with numeric patterns to explore sequences as functions. You will expand your knowledge of lines of best fit to determine whether it is appropriate to use a linear model and differentiation between correlation and causation. The lessons in this module build on your prior experiences with functions, numeric patterns, and writing linear equations.”
The “In This Review” are questions that present a formative assessment opportunity, building from the Getting Ready, that reactivates students’ prior knowledge. Although the Lesson “In This Review” questions draw from students' experiences in Grades 6-8, the questions do not explicitly identify content from Grades 6-8. In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 4, an Lesson Opener Review has students answer questions based on a triangle NPS. “Consider . 1. Calculate the value of . 2. Calculate . 3. Calculate .” The Teacher Implementation Guide states, “In this Review. Students practice with the sine ratio. They will use this skill in ACTIVITY 1 The Cosine Ratio.”
The Teacher Implementation Guide states, that a Teacher can “Tap into your students’ prior learning by reading the narrative statement”. Narrative Statements can be found at the beginning of each lesson. In Algebra II, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 1, the materials state, “You have learned about many different types of functions. What functions can you define using points on the circle as the domain?” The Narrative Statement does not explicitly identify content from Grades 6-8.
The Teacher Implementation Guide includes a Standards Overview located in the Front Matter for each course. The Standards Overview shows which standards are covered in the lesson and the standards covered in spaced practice. Some of the spaced practice standards identified are from Grades 6-8, however it is not mentioned in the materials how these standards support the progression of the high school standards. Some spaced practice standards are addressed in the spaced review part of the mixed practice section. The materials provide an “Aligned Standards” box to identify which standard(s) are aligned to each question. Examples include but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic 3, Mixed Practice, Spaced Review, Question 1 is aligned to 8.EE.6 and has students calculate the slope of a line represented in a table. Question 2 is aligned to 8.EE.6 and has students determine whether the slope of an equation is positive, negative, zero, or undefined. Question 3 is aligned to 8.EE.7 and has students solve two-sided equations. Question 4 is aligned to 8.SP.1 and has students create a scatter plot given a data set, draw a line of best fit, and then write the equation for the line.
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 2, Mixed Practice, Spaced Review, Question 3 is aligned to 8.F.1 and has students determine whether a mapping represents a function. Question 6 is aligned to 8.G.7 and has students determine the value of a diagonal of a rectangular prism.
In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 3, Mixed Practice, Spaced Review, Question 2 is aligned to 8.G.7 and has students verify that a triangular piece of metal with the given side lengths is a right triangle, and if they can use Euclid’s formula to generate the given side lengths.
The Topic Overview includes, “What is the entry point for students?” in the “Connection to Prior Learning” section, although the connection to prior learning is explicitly stated, how it connects to the current topic is not always stated. Additionally, any Grades 6-8 content referenced in this section of the topic overview is not explicitly connected to specific standards. Examples from the Topic Overview include but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 2, Topic Overview, the materials state, “In grade 7, students solved two-step inequalities and graphed the solutions on a number line.” Students build from this knowledge in this topic when they solve more complex inequalities in one variable and compound inequalities.
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 3, Topic Overview, the materials state, “In middle school, students constructed triangles from three measures of angles or sides, noticing when the conditions determine a unique triangle, or no triangle. Through hands-on exploration, they developed an intuition regarding the minimum criteria for determining whether triangles are congruent.” Students build from this knowledge in this topic when they use triangle congruence theorems to prove congruent triangles.
The materials include a family guide with “Where have we been? Where are we going?” for each topic. These sections identify connections between middle school content and courses and lessons in the series, however, any Grade 6-8 content referenced in this section of the family guide is not explicitly connected to specific standards. Examples from the Family Guide include but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 2 ,Topic 3, Family Guide, the materials state, “Where have we been? Students know that every point on the graph of an equation represents a value that makes the equation true…Students have written and solved systems of linear equations.” “Where are we going? Knowing how to solve systems of linear equations prepares students to solve systems that include nonlinear equations…”
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 1, Family Guide, the materials state, “Where have we been? Students have developed an understanding of proportional reasoning by exploring multiplicative relationships and having used scale factors to solve problems. They have learned that two figures are similar; they can map one onto the other by a sequence of transformations.” “Where are we going? Understanding similarity further develops proportional reasoning. It provides the opportunity for students to connect spatial and numeric reasoning and lays the groundwork for understanding trigonometric ratios, which students will explore in the next topic.”
In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 1, Family Guide, the materials state, “Where have we been? Students have factored expressions since elementary school. They have factored degree-2 polynomial equations in order to isolate key characteristics of the functions represented by those equations.” “Where are we going? … Students will use what they learned in this topic to help them build real-world polynomial models in the next topic.”
Indicator 1F
The plus (+) standards, when included, are explicitly identified and coherently support the mathematics which all students should study in order to be college and career ready.
The instructional materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series explicitly identify plus standards and use the plus standards to coherently support the mathematics which all students should study in order to be college and career ready. The plus standards that are included in the materials typically support the mathematics which all students should study in order to be college and career ready in a coherent manner, and the plus standards typically could be omitted without detracting from the underlying structure of the materials. Examples where plus standards were addressed include, but are not limited to:
N-CN.8: In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 1, and Module 2, Topic 1, students work towards understanding properties of the set of complex numbers and their operations. Students write and manipulate complex number expressions. Students factor polynomial structures across the complex numbers.
A-APR.5: In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 2, Lesson 2, students explore Pascal’s Triangle and how it is used to expand binomials then extend this work into the Binomial Theorem.
A-APR.7: In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 3, Lesson 4, students perform operations with rational expressions and determine closure for operations with rational expressions.
F-IF.7d: In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 3, Lessons 1 and 3, students graph rational functions, compare multiple representations of rational functions, compare rational functions to polynomial functions, analyze key characteristics, identify domain restrictions (continuous and discontinuous), compare removable discontinuities to vertical asymptotes, rewrite rational expressions, and sketch discontinuous rational functions with asymptotes and removable discontinuities.
F-BF.4c: In Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 1, Lesson 1 and 2, students explore inverse functions by using graphs and the Horizontal Line Test to determine whether a function is invertible and generalize about inverses of even- and odd-degree power functions.
F-BF.4d: In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 3, Lesson 3, students find the inverse of quadratic functions and restrict the domain and range of quadratic functions.
F-BF.5: In Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 3, Lessons 1, 3, 4, and 5, students use exponential and logarithmic models to analyze problem situations. Students solve for the base, argument, and exponent of logarithmic equations. Students solve logarithmic equations using logarithmic properties and equations arising from real-world situations. Students complete a decision tree to determine efficient methods for solving exponential and logarithmic equations.
F-TF.3: In Algebra II, Module 4, Topic 1, students apply special right triangles to trigonometric ratios. Students also work with sine and cosine functions as well as transformations of those functions.
F-TF.4: In Algebra II, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 3, students use symmetry to label coordinates around the unit circle.
G-SRT.9: In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 6, students derive the area formula, , by completing provided steps.
G-SRT.11: In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 6, students determine when the Law of Sines and Cosines is “useful to determine unknown measures” in Talk the Talk. Then, students find the unknown length of the side of a triangle.
G-C.4: In Geometry, Module 2, Topic 2, Lesson 5, Activity 4, students construct tangent lines to a circle through a point outside of the circle.
G-GPE.3: In Geometry, Module 4, Topic 2, Lesson 6, students investigate a constructed ellipse and answer a series of questions that results in finding the general equation of an ellipse using the distance formula. Similarly, in Lesson 7, students find the general equation of a hyperbola.
S-CP.8: In Geometry, Module 5, Topic 1, Lesson 2, students apply the general multiplication rule to solve probability problems involving dependent events.
S-CP.9: In Geometry, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 3, students use permutations and combinations to compute probabilities of compound events and solve problems.
S-MD.5, S-MD.6: In Geometry, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 5, Activity 2, students are given $200 and either keep their money or return their money and spin a wheel to determine their winnings. Students explore probabilities of spinning the wheel and expected values in order to make a fair decision.
S-MD.7: In Geometry, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 5 Getting Started, students analyze probability and make decisions based on the probability.
Examples of plus standard that were partially met, include but are not limited to:
F-BF.1c: In Algebra 2, Module 3, Topic 1, Lesson 2, students use composition of functions to determine whether two functions are inverses of each other. Students do not use composition of functions in application problems.
G-SRT.10: In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 6, students derive the Laws of Sines and Cosines but do not prove them. Students use the Laws of Sines and Cosines to solve problems.
G-GMD.2: In Geometry, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 4, students use Cavalieri’s Principle to understand the formulas for the volume of a cone and pyramid. Students do not use Cavalieri’s Principle for the volume of a sphere, rather, the materials simply state the formula in Lesson 4, Activity 5.
Plus standards not included in the series:
N-CN.3-6
N-VM
A-REI.8,9
F-TF.6,7,9
S-MD.1-4
Overview of Gateway 2
Rigor & Mathematical Practices
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for rigor and balance and practice-content connections. The materials reflect the balances in the Standards and help students develop conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and application. The materials make meaningful connections between the Standards for Mathematical Content and the Standards for Mathematical Practice (MPs).
Gateway 2
v1.5
Criterion 2.1: Rigor and Balance
Materials reflect the balances in the Standards and help students meet the Standards’ rigorous expectations, by giving appropriate attention to: developing students’ conceptual understanding; procedural skill and fluency; and engaging applications.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for Rigor and Balance. The materials meet expectations for providing students opportunities in developing conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and application, and the materials also meet expectations for balancing the three aspects of Rigor.
Indicator 2A
Materials support the intentional development of students’ conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts, especially where called for in specific content standards or clusters.
The instructional materials for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for developing conceptual understanding of key mathematical concepts, especially where called for in specific standards or cluster headings. The instructional materials develop conceptual understanding throughout the series and provide opportunities for students to independently demonstrate conceptual understanding. Examples include, but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 1, students determine from an equation whether a function has an absolute maximum or minimum and explain their decision. In answering the questions, students demonstrate an understanding of absolute maximum and minimum and other characteristics of quadratic functions. (A-APR.B)
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 2, students complete steps to create equivalent equations by exploring equal statements and applying a series of arithmetic steps to both sides. Students work collaboratively to use properties of equality to justify how equivalent equations were created through the solution process. Students solve multi-step equations providing a justification for each step, and when justifications are provided, students complete the steps. (A-REI.A)
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 1, Lesson 1, students explore the concept of arithmetic sequences and build them into linear functions. In Module 3, Topic 1, Lesson 1, students explore geometric ratios and graph the terms of the geometric sequences before working with exponential growth. Students write explicit geometric formulas and exponential functions from the common ratios. In Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 1, students compare the average rate of change between common intervals of a linear and an exponential relationship in contextual problems while justifying their thinking and processes. (F-LE.1)
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 1, in addition to calculating ratios and angle measures to determine similar figures, students answer a series of questions to develop conceptual understanding. Students answer questions to explain or justify their answers using measurements or transformations, for example: “Explain why this similarity theorem is Angle-Angle instead of Angle-Angle-Angle.” In answering the questions, students demonstrate an understanding of similarity and the characteristics that make two figures similar. (G-SRT.2)
In Geometry Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 1, students explore trigonometric ratios as measurement conversions and analyze the properties of similar right triangles. Starting with two parallel lines, students pick a point on one line and draw a line to another line and create two triangles. Students verify the two triangles are similar by measuring all sides and comparing the ratio of the lengths of the corresponding sides. Students use the triangles to find the ratio of the lengths of the sides that later are defined as sine, cosine, and tangent. Students use the ratios throughout the lesson to develop an understanding of the ratios before the formal definitions are given at the end of the lesson. (G-SRT.6)
In Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 1, Lesson 4, students review exponent rules and explore tables and graphs for power functions with integer exponents. Students write conclusions based on this exploration and use their conclusions with rational exponents and radical expressions. Students analyze other student work with rational exponents by comparing, contrasting, and justifying different approaches to rewriting radical expressions. (N-RN.1)
Indicator 2B
Materials provide intentional opportunities for students to develop procedural skills and fluencies, especially where called for in specific content standards or clusters.
The instructional materials for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for providing intentional opportunities for students to develop procedural skills, especially where called for in specific content standards or clusters. The instructional materials develop procedural skills and provide opportunities to independently demonstrate procedural skills throughout the series. The series includes practice problems in the lessons, MATHia software, and the Skills Practice workbook.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 2, students develop procedural skills with algebraic and geometric patterns. Students compare models and calculations and verify the equivalence of expressions. This topic has additional MATHia workspaces and Skills Practice on patterns, algebraically and graphically, modeled by linear, exponential, and quadratic equations. Students explore and analyze patterns, compose and decompose functions, sketch 3rd and 4th degree polynomials, and explore average rate of change. (A-SSE.1b)
In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 2, students rewrite a quadratic function of the form as the product of two linear factors and use them to determine zeros. This topic has additional MATHia workspaces and Skills Practice on solving quadratic equations to determine the zeros and rewriting expressions using difference of squares. (A-SSE.2)
In Algebra II, Modules 1-4, students practice transformations with a variety of parent functions. MATHia workspaces offer additional practice with inverse functions, represented graphically and numerically, writing inverses of quadratic functions as square root functions, identifying transformations of quadratic functions, and exponential functions, both growth and decay. The Skills Practice includes additional problems on transformations, rewriting and solving radical and exponential functions, and properties of exponential graphs. (F-BF.3)
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 5, students use area and perimeter in a coordinate plane and the distance formula as they work with composite shapes. Students demonstrate procedural skills by finding the perimeter and area of polygons. (G-GPE.7)
Indicator 2C
Materials support the intentional development of students’ ability to utilize mathematical concepts and skills in engaging applications, especially where called for in specific content standards or clusters.
The instructional materials for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations that the materials support the intentional development of students’ ability to utilize mathematical concepts and skills in engaging applications, especially where called for in specific content standards or clusters.
The instructional materials include multiple opportunities for students to engage in routine and non-routine application of mathematics while providing opportunities for students to independently demonstrate the use of mathematics flexibly in a variety of contexts throughout the series.
Examples where students engage in routine and non-routine application of mathematics include, but are not limited to:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic1, Lesson 1, students read scenarios and determine the independent and dependent quantities. Students then match each scenario to its corresponding graph. For each graph, students label the axes with the appropriate quantity and a reasonable scale, and then interpret the meaning of the origin. Students draw conclusions from the scenarios. (N-Q.A)
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 1, students are given a scenario where a drain is built. Students make physical models from paper, compare with classmates, then complete a chart of possible height/width combinations for a certain size of sheet metal to determine the dimensions that produce the most water flow. Next, they write a function to model a cross sectional area and use technology to graph the function. Students interpret points on the graph and describe what that point represents. Then students work on a new scenario with larger dimensions of sheet metal. (A-REI.11)
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 4, Activity 2, students engage in applications related to the cosine ratio. Questions 5 and 6 represent traditional inverse trigonometric problems where students are asked to find angles. However, these questions are contextualized in a way that is appropriate for high school courses. Question 7 represents a less traditional inverse trigonometric problem. This problem requires students to evaluate the given information and solve for more than one triangle in order to arrive at the appropriate answer. (G-SRT.8)
Indicator 2D
The three aspects of rigor are not always treated together and are not always treated separately. The three aspects are balanced with respect to the standards being addressed.
The instructional materials for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional meet expectations that the three aspects of rigor are not always treated together and are not always treated separately. All three aspects of rigor are present independently throughout the program materials and multiple aspects of rigor are engaged simultaneously to develop students’ mathematical understanding of a single topic/unit of study throughout the materials.
Examples of where the instructional materials attend to conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and application independently throughout the grade level include:
Conceptual Understanding: In MATHia, students must see the connections between algebraic representations of functions, graphical representations of different types of functions, and determine from a context the type of function that is being described. In Algebra I, students are exposed to different types of functions (e.g., cubic, polynomial) but asked to categorize them as “Other.” Students must understand the relationships between contextual situations, algebraic representations, and graphs.
Procedural Skills: In MATHia Algebra II, opportunities exist for students to simplify radicals with negative radicands, simplify powers of i, adding and subtracting complex numbers, multiplying complex numbers, and solving quadratic equations with complex numbers.
Application: In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 1, Lesson 1, students write quadratic functions to model contexts. Specifically, Activity 2 includes a handshake activity where students must record and organize data and write a function that models that data. Students are then asked application questions related to minimums, domain, and range. They are also asked to compare the orientation of the graph to a previous problem in the lesson.
Examples where two or more of the aspects of rigor are engaged simultaneously to develop students’ mathematical understanding of a single topic/unit of study throughout the materials include:
All sections related to G.SRT.6 represent a balance between solving simple proportions related to trigonometric ratios in right triangles, contextualized word problems involving different trigonometric ratios, and conceptual understanding related to the different trigonometric functions. For example, in Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 2, Activity 3, students are asked to extend their knowledge of the tangent ratio and apply it to different similar triangles and more abstract representations of angle measures.
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 1, End of Topic Test A, students demonstrate all aspects of rigor by rewriting equations in different forms and transforming figures on a coordinate grid. Students are required to recall arithmetic and linear functions and use knowledge of both to solve problems and answer questions. Students also apply knowledge of linear equations by reading a scenario and answering a series of questions involving the function.
In Algebra II, Module 3, Topics 1-4, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions are developed, practiced, and utilized. In Topic 1, students develop conceptual understanding of a radical being the inverse of a power and develop procedural skills with practice in simplifying, rewriting, and graphing radical expressions and functions. Application occurs in real world scenarios. In Topic 2, students algebraically and graphically analyze and transform exponential and logarithmic functions expanding upon the concepts from Topic 1. In Topic 3, students use these skills to solve and develop procedural skills with the properties of logarithms. In Topic 4, students model with exponential functions and solve real-world scenarios of growth.
Criterion 2.2: Practice-Content Connections
Materials meaningfully connect the Standards for Mathematical Content and Standards for Mathematical Practice (MPs).
The materials reviewed for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for practice-content connections. The materials meaningfully connect the Standards for Mathematical Content and the Standards for Mathematical Practice (MPs).
Indicator 2E
Materials support the intentional development of overarching, mathematical practices (MPs 1 and 6), in connection to the high school content standards, as required by the mathematical practice standards.
The instructional materials for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for supporting the intentional development of overarching, mathematical practices (MPs 1 and 6), in connection to the high school content standards. The majority of the time MP1 and MP6 are used to enrich the mathematical content, and there is intentional development of MP1 and MP6 across the series.
Standards for Mathematical Practice are referred to as Habits of Mind in this program. The Habits of Mind are first introduced for teachers and students in the Front Matter of the MATHbook and Teacher’s Implementation Guide. For each practice or pair of practices, students are provided a list of questions they should ask themselves as they work toward developing the habits of mind of a productive mathematical thinker throughout the series. Each activity within MATHbook explicitly denotes the practice or pair of practices intentionally being developed using a box labeled “Habits of Mind,” with the exception of MP1. Materials state that MP1 aligns to all lessons in the Front Matter of the MATHbook and Teacher’s Implementation Guide. MPs are identified for activities, but not for specific problems or exercises.
Examples of where and how the materials use MP1 to enrich the mathematical content and demonstrate the full intent of the mathematical practice include:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 3, Lesson 5, Activity 3, students are provided information on two different job offers for a sales position. Students write and solve a system of equations to make a recommendation on which job offers better compensation.
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 1, students determine if the size of three adjacent and congruent squares will affect the sum of the measures of three labeled angles and use a protractor to test their predictions. Students copy each of the angles on a piece of patty paper and determine how to manipulate the three angles to show that their sum is 90 degrees. The materials state how there are different methods to verify sums.
In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 2, Lesson 2, students explore the Binomial Theorem and Pascal’s Triangle. They complete a series of exercises that help them in future lessons related to the Binomial Theorem. Students make sense of the patterns in the triangle and answer questions related to the relationships between the numbers.
Examples of where and how the materials use MP6 to enrich the mathematical content and demonstrate the full intent of the mathematical practice include:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 3, Activities 1 and 2, students attend to precision as they compare functions and non functions as well as identify domain and range for the functions. Students use the precise definition of a function, and in Activity 2, they use appropriate notation involving inequalities to describe domain and range.
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 3, Activity 4, students use the appropriate trigonometric ratios and appropriately use a calculator to find the most precise angle measures for problems both in and out of contexts.
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 3, Lesson 2, Activity 2, students apply the mathematical principles related to rigid motions and accurately find points on a transformed graph. Students understand precise vocabulary and the operations required to find the new points.
Indicator 2F
Materials support the intentional development of reasoning and explaining (MPs 2 and 3), in connection to the high school content standards, as required by the mathematical practice standards.
The instructional materials for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for supporting the intentional development of reasoning and explaining (MPs 2 and 3), in connection to the high school content standards. The majority of the time MP2 and MP3 are used to enrich the mathematical content, and there is intentional development of MP2 and MP3 across the series.
Examples of where and how the materials use MP2 to enrich the mathematical content and demonstrate the full intent of the mathematical practice include:
In Algebra I, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 3, Activity 1, students compare data and use the numerical evidence to reason and determine answers to additional questions. For example, a teacher is asked to use data to support the choice for who should compete in a spelling bee based on test scores, and the students must reason quantitatively to reach a reasonable conclusion.
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 2, students write equations that represent different translations and discuss the similarities and differences between geometric translation functions and algebraic equations which show the translations.
In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 3, Lesson 6, students solve contextualized problems related to Work, Mixture, Distance, and Cost. Students write equations to solve specific problems and then answer specific questions. By having to generate the equations to solve, students reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Examples of where and how the materials use MP3 to enrich the mathematical content and demonstrate the full intent of the mathematical practice include:
In Algebra I, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 1, Activity 1, students critique Chloe’s reasoning about a statement comparing output values of linear and exponential functions. Students use examples to justify their thinking and determine whether Chloe is correct or incorrect.
In Geometry, Module 2, Topic 1, Lesson 4, Activities 1 and 2, students critique the conjectures of other students. Students also use mathematical strategies to determine whether or not the conjectures are correct.
In Algebra II, Module 5, Topic 1, Lesson 3, Activity 1, students explain why DMitrius’ reasoning is incorrect when he estimated the percent of hybrid cars that get less than 57 miles per gallon using the Empirical Rule. The Teacher’s Implementation Guide includes the following questions to support discourse and encourage students to demonstrate the full intent of the mathematical practice: “How can you use the area under the normal curve to show DMitrius the error in his thinking?” “Is Dmitrius’s estimate too high or too low? Explain.”
Indicator 2G
Materials support the intentional development of modeling and using tools (MPs 4 and 5), in connection to the high school content standards, as required by the mathematical practice standards.
The instructional materials for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for supporting the intentional development of modeling and using tools (MPs 4 and 5), in connection to the high school content standards. The majority of the time MP4 and MP5 are used to enrich the mathematical content, and there is intentional development of MP4 and MP5 across the series.
Examples of where and how MP4 is used to enrich the mathematical content and demonstrate the intentional development of the full intent of MP4 across the series include:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 3, Lesson 3, students write systems of inequalities (with constraints), graph the system, and interpret results based on a contextualized problem.
In Geometry, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 3, students use what they know to describe the volume of two figures. Students use the Cavalieri’s Principle to draw conclusions about the volumes of two prisms.
In Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 1, Activity 3, students complete a table to determine the amount of caffeine at each time interval. In Question 11, students complete a second table for the half life. Students use both tables to answer questions based on the scenario given at the beginning.
Examples of where and how MP5 is used to enrich the mathematical content and demonstrate the intentional development of the full intent of MP5 across the series include:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 3, Lesson 1, Activity 2, students choose and use their own method, along with technology, to solve systems of equations. Students also use graphing tools to verify algebraic solutions to systems of equations.
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 3, students perform constructions. Students choose from dynamic software, a compass, or other appropriate tools. Students are not told which tool to use and are expected to choose based on availability and/or appropriateness.
In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 1, Lesson 4, Activities 1 and 2, students use graphing technology to connect algebraic solutions of polynomial inequalities to the graphs of the polynomial functions. The graphs created by the graphing technology also relate to the number line/interval representation of the solutions for the polynomial inequality.
Indicator 2H
Materials support the intentional development of seeing structure and generalizing (MPs 7 and 8), in connection to the high school content standards, as required by the mathematical practice standards.
The instructional materials for the Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for supporting the intentional development of seeing structure and generalizing (MP7 and MP8), in connection to the high school content standards. The majority of the time MP7 and MP8 are used to enrich the mathematical content, and there is intentional development of MP7 and MP8 across the series.
Examples of where and how the materials use MP7 to enrich the mathematical content and demonstrate the full intent of the mathematical practice include:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 3, Activity 1, students use patterns revealed in a data set to write recursive and explicit formulas for arithmetic sequences. In Activity 2, students repeat this type of activity and write both explicit and recursive formulas and examine the connection between the two for geometric sequences.
In Geometry, Module 2, Topic 2, Lesson 3, Activity 2, students use triangles having interior angles that sum to 180 degrees to determine the sum of the interior angles of a polygon. Students examine patterns and make conjectures based on the idea of the sum of the interior angles of a triangle.
In Algebra II, Module 2 Topic 1, Lesson 2, Activity 2, students factor special binomials building on their understanding of factoring difference of squares. Students also factor the sum and difference of cubes. By examining long division examples, students determine the structure for factoring the sum and difference of cubes.
Examples of where and how the materials use MP8 to enrich the mathematical content and demonstrate the full intent of the mathematical practice include:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 4, Activity 1, students use repeated reasoning from scenarios to identify domain characteristics of the function families (linear, exponential, quadratic, absolute value) and compare the graphical behaviors within a family.
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 3, Activity 3, students use prior knowledge of parallel lines, perpendicular lines, and slopes to answer questions about horizontal and vertical lines.
In Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 4, Lesson 1, Activity 1, students express regularity in repeated reasoning to determine a rule for the sum of a geometric sequences.
Overview of Gateway 3
Usability
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for Usability. The materials meet expectations for Criterion 1, Teacher Supports, Criterion 2, Assessment, and Criterion 3, Student Supports.
Gateway 3
v1.5
Criterion 3.1: Teacher Supports
The program includes opportunities for teachers to effectively plan and utilize materials with integrity and to further develop their own understanding of the content.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for Teacher Supports. The materials: provide teacher guidance with useful annotations and suggestions for enacting the materials, contain adult-level explanations and examples of the more complex grade-level concepts beyond the current grade so that teachers can improve their own knowledge of the subject, include standards correlation information that explains the role of the standards in the context of the overall series, provide explanations of the instructional approaches of the program and identification of the research-based strategies, and provide a comprehensive list of supplies needed to support instructional activities.
Indicator 3A
Materials provide teacher guidance with useful annotations and suggestions for how to enact the student materials and ancillary materials, with specific attention to engaging students in order to guide their mathematical development.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series series meets expectations for providing teacher guidance with useful annotations and suggestions for how to enact the student materials and ancillary materials, with specific attention to engaging students in order to guide their mathematical development.
All three courses provide Facilitation Notes at the end of each lesson. The Facilitation Notes provide differentiation strategies, common student misconceptions, and suggestions to extensions. All three courses also provide a Front Matter section intended to provide comprehensive guidance that will assist teachers in presenting the student and ancillary materials.
The Front Matter section includes:
Guiding Principles of Carnegie Learning.
Content Organization including Modules, Topics, and Pacing.
Course standards overview chart.
A Table of Contents on the Module level provides connection to prior learning, connection to future learning, a chart of the standards sorted by topic, and a list of materials needed within the module.
A Table of Contents on the Topic Level provides MATHia recommended lessons for each topic and a pacing guide of MATHbook and MATHia lessons.
Guidance for implementing MATHbook which is structured consistently as ENGAGE, DEVELOP, and DEMONSTRATE.
Guidance for implementing MATHia.
Guidance on assessing students by checking readiness, monitoring learning, and measuring performance.
Planning resources that include pacing guidance, topic planners, lesson planners, and lesson-level facilitation notes.
Guidance for supporting students in their language development and social emotional learning.
Evidence for materials including sufficient and useful annotations and suggestions that are presented within the context of the specific learning objectives to engage and guide student mathematical learning include:
In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 1, Lesson 2, Activity 3, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, the materials provide sets of questions to support student discourse within the lesson. Questions are identified by type such as Gathering, Probing, or Seeing Structure. A sample Seeing Structure question is, “Why does it make sense that pairs of symmetric points will have the same numeric rate of change with opposite signs?”.
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 3, Lesson 2, Activity 1, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, students are introduced to slash markers and arc markers to represent congruent parts. An annotation in the material provides teachers with a differentiation strategy which suggests for students to, “use colored pencils to trace congruent sides and mark congruent angles.” The materials suggest by using colored pencils students may better understand how to interpret labeled diagrams.
In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 1, Lesson 2, Activity 2, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, students factor binomials completely using the difference of squares. The materials indicate a common misconception would be for students to believe they cannot rewrite the function as a product of linear factors since they just concluded the function is factored completely; however, teachers are instructed to, “Remind them that is factored over the set of real numbers, but they can use complex numbers to rewrite as a product of linear factors.”
Indicator 3B
Materials contain adult-level explanations and examples of the more complex grade-level/course-level concepts and concepts beyond the current course so that teachers can improve their own knowledge of the subject.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional meet expectations for containing adult-level explanations and examples of the more complex course-level concepts and concepts beyond the current course so that teachers can improve their own knowledge of the subject.
The materials provide an overview at the beginning of each module and for each topic within the module. The Module Overview provides an explanation for the naming of the module, research for why the module is included as part of the scope and sequence, connections to prior learning, and connections to future learning. The Topic Overview provides an explanation of how key topics are developed, an examination of the entry point for students to connect to prior learning, and identification of the importance of the topic for future learning.
Examples of how the materials support teachers to develop their own knowledge of more complex, course-level concepts include:
In Algebra I, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 2, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, the materials provide an adult-level explanation on describing a data set using center, shape, and spread. The materials state, “The median is the better measure of central tendency, and the IQR is the better measure of spread to describe a skewed data set. The mean is the better measure of central tendency, and the standard deviation is the better measure of spread to use to describe a symmetric data set. You identify outliers in a data set using the formula to determine a lower fence and to determine an upper fence. Any value outside these is an outlier.”
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Topic Overview, the materials provide an explanation of how key concepts of trigonometry are developed. Students will explore concepts of special right triangles and trigonometric ratios in order to solve problems involving right triangles. Students will also explore the complement angle relationships in right triangles and derive the Triangle Area Formula. A sample math representation is also provided to show how the key concepts will be used.
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 3, Lesson 5, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, the materials include an adult-level explanation for the average rate of change formula to provide an interpretation for application of polynomial functions. The materials state, “The formula for the average rate of change is for an interval . The expression represents the change in the input of the function . The expression represents the change in the function as the input changes from to .”
Examples of how the materials support teachers to develop their own knowledge beyond the current course:
In Algebra 1, Module 4, Module Overview, Connection to Future Learning, the material’s state, “This module supports future learning by deepening students’ proficiency with the statistical process, data displays, and numeric summaries of data. In later courses, students will use the mean and standard deviation of a data set to fit a normal distribution. They will use a normal distribution to estimate population percentages. Advanced studies in statistics will teach students methods to determine whether an observed relationship between two variables is statistically significant. Because statistics lies at the heart of important advances in the physical, economic, and political sciences, students will encounter the skills learned in this module in many higher education fields.” The materials then provide a Math Representation illustrating how a normal distribution can be drawn given a sample mean and standard deviation.
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Topic Overview, Connection to Future Learning, the materials state, “Trigonometry provides a bridge between geometry and algebra. Understanding the trigonometric ratios in terms of side length ratios prepares students to study trigonometric functions in the next course. They will use right triangles to build the unit circle. Unrolling the unit circle leads students to an understanding how these ratios form the basis for periodic functions. Trigonometry has applications across the STEM fields: in computer science, where angles are used to design computer programs; in physics, where a periodic function models a pendulum swing; in aviation, where angles of elevation and depression help to plot paths for aircraft; and in the engineering of bridges.” The materials then provide a Math Representation illustrating how an angle measure used as an input results in a real number output corresponding to coordinate points on the unit circle.
In Algebra 2, Module 4, Module Overview, Connection to Future Learning, the materials state, “Students in advanced courses will use trigonometric functions to model real-world scenarios involving circular motion. They will use radian measures extensively, which will lead to simple formulas for derivatives and integrals of periodic functions. Students who pursue post-secondary mathematics courses will use the periodic functions to determine the velocity and acceleration of objects in motion and learn that trigonometric functions are the building blocks for modeling any periodic phenomenon.” The materials then provide a Math Representation displaying how to highlight certain features of a sound wave by decomposing a periodic graph.
Indicator 3C
Materials include standards correlation information that explains the role of the standards in the context of the overall series.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for including standards correlation information that explains the role of the standards in the context of the overall series.
Examples of materials providing correlation information for the mathematics standards addressed throughout the series include:
Each Module within the courses contains a Module Teacher’s Implementation Guide Overview. The Module Teacher’s Implementation Guide Overview provides the standards for each topic as well as the standards for each MATHia workspace that is paired with each topic.
Found under each topic’s Teacher Materials section, the Front Matter in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide provides a Standards Overview chart. The chart identifies lesson standards in green and spaced practice standards in gray. Each module with the Teacher’s Implementation Guide also has a standard overview represented as a dot matrix that identifies the standards addressed in each module, topic, and lesson. Additionally, each topic has a Topic Overview which lists the standards for each lesson.
Each topic also has a Topic Overview under the Teacher Materials section that identifies the standards in each lesson. A session log is also available that identifies the sessions MATHia will be utilized.
Module Overviews located at the beginning of each Module identifies specific course-level mathematics. The Topic Overview located at the beginning of each Topic identifies the role of the mathematics present within the Module. Examples of where explanations of the role of the specific course-level mathematics are present in the context of the series include:
In Algebra I, Module 4, Topic 1, Topic Overview, the materials provide an overview of how key concepts for one-variable statistics are developed. The topic begins with a remainder of the statistical process from middle school and a connection to the modeling process. Building on these statistical data from models in middle school, students develop toward understanding the formal notation for mean, how to calculate standard deviation, and how to find outliers.
In Geometry, Module 4, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, Module Overview the materials provide a connection to prior and future learning. Students use simple and compound probabilities developed in middle school to make predictions which will develop into using formal and intuitive strategies to determine the probabilities of real-world events.
In Algebra II, Module 1, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, Module Overview the materials provide a connection to prior and future learning. Students previously learned the key characteristics of linear, exponential, and quadratic functions and will build on that foundation to use the key characteristics of polynomials to expand the inventory of functions that they know and with which they can model scenarios.
Indicator 3D
Materials provide strategies for informing all stakeholders, including students, parents, or caregivers about the program and suggestions for how they can help support student progress and achievement.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series provide strategies for informing all stakeholders, including students, parents, or caregivers about the program and suggestions for how they can help support student progress and achievement.
For example:
Front Matter in each course provides an overview of planning resources for each topic.
Family Guides are provided for each topic within each course. The Family Guides are only available in digital materials and in English. Each Family Guides includes a mathematical overview connecting content learned in previous courses and content students will learn in future courses, the aligned MATHia sequence, learning tips for supporting students, talking points to discuss with students, and QR Codes taking families to online resources at Carnegie’s website.
The digital materials also provide Continuous Learning Resources for Families located under Continuous Learning Resources in the Help Center. The Continuous Learning Resources for Families includes a Letter to Parents explaining the structure of the program, and a MATHia support letter.
Indicator 3E
Materials provide explanations of the instructional approaches of the program and identification of the research-based strategies.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for providing explanations of the instructional approaches of the program and identification of the research-based strategies. The Front Matter in each course provides detailed explanations behind the instructional approaches of the program and cites research-based strategies for the layout of the program. Unless otherwise noted all examples are found in the Front Matter of the Teacher’s Implementation Guide.
Examples of the materials explaining the instructional approaches of the program include:
The Front Matter of the Teacher’s Implementation Guide includes the programs, “Guiding Principles”. The four guiding principles state, “All students are Capable Learners”, “Learning by Doing™”, “Learning Through Assessments,” and “Education is a Human Endeavor,”
The program’s instructional approach is, “...based on a scientific understanding of how people learn, as well as an understanding of how to apply the science to the classroom.” There are three phases to the instructional approach: ENGAGE, DEVELOP, and DEMONSTRATE. The materials provide an explanation for each instructional approach. ENGAGE is intended to, “Activate student thinking by tapping into prior knowledge and real-world experiences.” DEVELOP is intended to, “Build a deep understanding of mathematics through a variety of activities.” Finally, DEMONSTRATE is intended to, “Reflect on and evaluate what was learned.”
“Introduction to Blended Learning”, explains how MATHbook and MATHia are designed to be used simultaneously to support student learning. Students will “Learn Together” using the MATHbook approximately 60% of the time and “Learn Individually” using MATHia 40% of the time.
The Front Matter of the Teacher’s Implementation Guide provides a rationale for the sequence of the modules, topics, and lessons within the course and series.
“Comprehensive Assessment”, includes checking student readiness using the MATHia Ready Check Assessments and the MATHbook Getting Ready resources, monitoring learning by question to support discourse, and measuring performance using pre-tests, post-tests, end of topic tests, standardized tests, and performance tasks.
Examples of materials including and referencing research based strategies include:
In the Front Matter of each course in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide, the materials state, “The embedded strategies, tools, and guidance provided in these instructional resources are informed by books like Adding It Up, How People Learn, and Principles to Action.”
In the Front Matter of each course in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide, the materials state, “MATHia has its basis in the ACT-R (Adaptive Control of Thought-Rational) theory of human knowledge and cognitive performance, developed by John Anderson - one of the founders of Carnegie Learning (Anderson et. al., 2004; Anderson, 2007).”
Each Module Overview includes a section on “The Research Shows…” citing research related to a strategy, tool, or content matter within the module. Examples include:
In Algebra I, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, Module 5 Overview, the materials cite research from Focus in High School Mathematics: Reasoning and Sense Making, NCTM, pg. 41 by stating, “Functions appear in most branches of mathematics and provide a consistent way of making connections between and among topics. Students’ continuing development of the concept of functions must be rooted in reasoning, and likewise functions are an important tool for reasoning. Thus, developing procedural fluency in using functions is a significant goal of high school mathematics.”
In Geometry, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, Module 4 Overview, the materials cite research from Douglas H. Clements and Michael T. Battista, “Geometry and Spatial Reasoning,” Handbook of Research on Mathematics Teaching and Learning, 2004 by stating, “School geometry is the study of those spatial objects, relationships, and transformations that have been formalized ... Spatial reasoning, on the other hand, consists of the set of cognitive processes by which mental representations for spatial objects, relationships, and transformations are constructed and manipulated. Clearly, geometry and spatial reasoning are strongly interrelated, and most mathematics educators seem to include spatial reasoning as part of the geometry curriculum.”
In Algebra II, Teacher’s Implementation Guide, Module 2 Overview, the materials cite research from Progressions for the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (draft), HS Algebra, pg. 4-5. by stating, “Seeing structure in expressions entails a dynamic view of an algebraic expression, in which potential rearrangements and manipulations are ever-present. An important skill for college readiness is the ability to try possible manipulations mentally without having to carry them out, and to see which ones might be fruitful and which not.”
The materials of each course provides a link to a website referencing more extensive research on the research-based strategies incorporated in the program.
Indicator 3F
Materials provide a comprehensive list of supplies needed to support instructional activities.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for providing a comprehensive list of supplies needed to support instructional activities.
Examples of where materials include a comprehensive list of supplies needed to support the instructional activities include:
The online materials for each course provides a “Course Materials List” located in the General section of the Teacher Materials. The list contains the supplies needed for each Module.
In each course, the Front Matter in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide provides Module pages in the Table of Contents. The Module pages specify materials needed for each module in the right corner of the page.
The list of materials is also provided in the Topic Overview included at the beginning of each topic.
Indicator 3G
This is not an assessed indicator in Mathematics.
Indicator 3H
This is not an assessed indicator in Mathematics.
Criterion 3.2: Assessment
The program includes a system of assessments identifying how materials provide tools, guidance, and support for teachers to collect, interpret, and act on data about student progress towards the standards.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for Assessment. The materials indicate which standards are assessed and include an assessment system that provides multiple opportunities throughout the courses to determine students' learning and sufficient guidance to teachers for interpreting student performance and suggestions for follow-up. The materials also provide assessments that include opportunities for students to demonstrate the full intent of course-level standards and practices.
Indicator 3I
Assessment information is included in the materials to indicate which standards are assessed.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for having assessment information included in the materials to indicate which standards are assessed. The materials state, “Assessment is an arc and not a one-time event. It is a regular part of the instructional cycle. Ongoing formative assessment underlies the entire learning experience driving real-time adjustments, next steps, insights, and measurements. Check Readiness > Monitor Learning > Measure Performance.” The materials identify the following as assessments:
Check Readiness
Module Readiness is in the MATHia Readycheck Assessment and gauges, “student readiness of concepts and skills that are prerequisite for any upcoming content. The scoring guide informs student instructional needs.” The MATHbook Getting ready reviews prior experiences with mathematical content that will be built upon in the module.
Monitor Learning
MATHia contains LiveLab where teachers can monitor student work for “real-time recommendations on how to support student progress.” The MATHbook contains Lesson Overview listing learning goals, review questions, and making connections to prior learning. The MATHbook contains Questions to Support Discourse for each activity to assess, “students’ sense-making and reasoning, to gauge what they know, and generate evidence of student learning.” The MATHbook also contains Talk the Talk tasks to allow students to reflect on their learning from the lesson and provide teachers with information on whether students can demonstrate the learning outcomes.
Measure Performance
MATHis provide Skill Reports monitor skill proficiency of students in mastery workspaces, Standard Reports provide an overview of students’ proficiency on specific standards, and Predictive Analytics allow teachers to monitor student progress to predict students’ year-end outcomes.
MATHbook contains Summative Assessments in the form of Pretest, Post-test, End of Topic Test, Standardized Test, and Performance Tasks.
Examples of how the materials consistently identify the standards for assessments include:
In Algebra I, Module 3, Topic 1, Assessment Overview, the materials identify “The Real Number System, Interpreting Functions, Building Functions, and Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models” as the standard domains for the assessment. The materials then provide a specific standard for each question in the Pre-test, Post-test, End of Topic Test, Standardized Test, and the Performance Task.
In Geometry, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 1, the Talk the Talk assesses the standards G-C.1, G-C.5, G-GMD.1 by having students determine the length of each steel arc connecting one passenger car to the next on a ferris wheel.
In Algebra II, Module 2 Teacher’s Implementation Guide Overview, the nine MATHia sessions aligned with Topic 3, assesses A-APR.6, A-CED.1, A-REI.2, and F-IF.7d (+).
Standards for Mathematical Practice are referred to as habits of mind within the materials. The habits of mind are only identified within the activities in the MATHbook. Within the activities the Questions to Support Discourse are used to assess the activities. Examples include:
In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 1, Activity 5, the summary in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide states, “You can multiply polynomials using the area model or Distributive Property. The product of two polynomials is always a polynomial.” The Habits of Mind listed are, “Model with mathematics. Use appropriate tools strategically.” Within the activity, the Questions to Support Discourse states, “Why does each model include multiplication twice? How can you tell when a result is in general form? How is the multiplication problem different than ? How did you modify the area model to multiply a trinomial and binomial? Explain how you used the Distributive Property to calculate each product. How can you tell the degree of the polynomial from its factors? Can you tell the number of terms in a product from its factors? Explain your thinking.”
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 2, Activity 3, the summary in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide states, “If you are using congruent reference angles in similar triangles, the tangent ratio of the reference angles is constant.” The Habits of Mind listed are, “Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.” Within the activity, the Questions to Support Discourse states, “How can you represent an unknown dilation factor? Why? How is the expression representing in the first triangle different than the expression representing in the second triangle? Why will your proportion always be true?
In Algebra II, Module 5, Topic 1, Lesson 3, Activity 2, the summary in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide states, “A percentile is a data value for which a certain percent of the data is below the data value in a normal distribution.” The Habits of Mind listed are, “Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.” Within the activity, the Questions to Support Discourse states, “Is it possible to be at the 100th percentile? Explain. Why does it make sense that the mean coincides with the 50th percentile in a normal distribution? What is the relationship between percentiles and the mean? Explain why a z-score of 1.28 makes sense for the 90th percentile on the normal curve. How did you use technology to determine the value that corresponds to the 20th percentile? How can you tell that your response is reasonable?”
Indicator 3J
Assessment system provides multiple opportunities throughout the grade, course, and/or series to determine students' learning and sufficient guidance to teachers for interpreting student performance and suggestions for follow-up.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for including an assessment system that provides multiple opportunities throughout the series to determine students' learning and sufficient guidance to teachers for interpreting student performance and suggestions for follow-up.
Answer keys are provided to determine students’ learning and reports provide teachers’ guidance on interpreting student performance. Suggestions for follow-up are provided through LiveLab, which alerts the educator to students who may need additional supports in specific skills, and the Skills Practice which provides suggestions on how students can re-engage with specific skills.
Examples include:
In the MATHia Group Skills Report, teachers can view each student’s skill mastery progress organized by module, unit, and workspace. The materials state “For each skill, a student can be in one of the following categories: Proficient: The student has a greater than or equal to 95% probability of understanding and correctly executing that skill. Near Proficient: The students has a 70%-94% probability of understanding and correctly executing that skill. Remediation Suggested: The students has a <70% probability of understanding and correctly executing that skill. In Progress: The student is currently completing problems that address this skill. Not Started: The student has not encountered workspaces that address this skill.” In the digital material, Help center, Math, LiveLab, At Risk Student Alert in LiveLab, the MATHia Report states, “The At-Risk Student Alert tells a teacher when a student is at risk of not mastering a workspace, as he/she is struggling with the understanding of a specific math concept. The warning will appear as a life preserver icon next to the student's current status on the main Class Dashboard. Click to the Student Details screen to review which workspace he/she is struggling with and specific math skills covered in the workspace to better understand how to provide targeted remediation for this student. You can review the skills in the Mastery Progress section of the Student Dashboard to help you provide that targeted remediation.”
Summative Assessments are provided in the form of Pre- and Post Tests, End of Topic Tests, and Standardized Tests. The materials provide answer keys with the correct answers for each of the summative assessments. Performance Tasks provide a sample student solution and a scoring rubric to interpret student performance. The materials provide Skills Practice located in the Additional Facilitation Notes at the end of each lesson. The materials state, “After working through MATHbook lessons and MATHia workspaces, some students may need to re-engage with specific skills. You can use the Skills Practice problem sets to support small group remediation.”
Indicator 3K
Assessments include opportunities for students to demonstrate the full intent of grade-level/course-level standards and practices across the series.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for providing assessments that include opportunities for students to demonstrate the full intent of course-level standards and practices across the series. Assessments include opportunities for students to demonstrate the full intent of course-level standards and practices across the series.
The Summative Assessment Suite provides opportunities for students to demonstrate understanding of the standards. The End of Topic Test assesses the full range of standards addressed in the topic using short-answer and open ended questions. Standardized Tests include multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. The Performance Task given for each topic provides open-ended questions allowing students to demonstrate learning of standards and mathematical practices.
MATHia provides formative assessment data on standards aligned to each topic using the following item types: Grapher tool, Solver tool, Interactive diagrams, Interactive worksheets, Sorting Tools, and short-answer questions.
Examples include:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 2, the End of Topic Test Form A develops the full intent of the standard A.REI.3. Problem 2 states, “Determine whether the equation has one solution, no solution, or infinite solutions. a) b) c) d).”
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 3, MATHia Software Workspace, Triangle Congruence Theorems, Using Triangle Congruence develops the full intent of standard G.CO.7, 8. Students are instructed to, “Analyze the worked example and then complete each two-column proof to prove the given statement.” Students are given two proofs where they must use various theorems, postulates and definitions to prove triangle congruence.
In Algebra II, Module 3, Topic 1, the Performance Task develops the full intent of the standards F.IF.4, F.IF.5, and F.IF.7b. Students are given the following scenario,”Doctors sometimes need to calculate the body surface area of their patient when they are determining the specific dosage of a medicine they are administering. The formula for body surface area is where B is the body surface area in square meters, H is the height of the patient in inches, and W is the weight of the patient in pounds.” Then students answer a series of questions using the formula for body surface area.
Indicator 3L
Assessments offer accommodations that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills without changing the content of the assessment.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series partially provide assessments which offer accommodations that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills without changing the content of the assessment.
Summative assessments are available as a digital resource in MyCL. Assessments are available as a PDF or an editable Microsoft Word document. On the Microsoft Word assessment document, teachers are able to alter these assessments by adding their own questions. As a result, these items have the potential to alter course-level expectations due to being teacher-created items. Teachers have the ability to adjust font size or provide additional work space to better meet student needs but the materials do not describe any accommodations that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Additionally, summative assessments are also available and editable on Edulastic. In Edulastic, teachers are able to alter the assessment by inserting Edulastic Certified questions, teacher created questions, or teachers can create questions to add to the assessment. MATHia assessments contain text-to-speech features, on-screen indication of focus, alerts to assistive technology, and alternative text for images.
Criterion 3.3: Student Supports
The program includes materials designed for each student’s regular and active participation in grade-level/grade-band/series content.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for Student Supports. The materials provide: strategies and supports for students in special populations and for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English to support their regular and active participation in learning grade-level mathematics; multiple extensions and/or opportunities for students to engage with grade-level mathematics at higher levels of complexity; and manipulatives, both virtual and physical, that are accurate representations of the mathematical objects they represent and, when appropriate, are connected to written methods.
Indicator 3M
Materials provide strategies and supports for students in special populations to support their regular and active participation in learning grade-level/series mathematics.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for providing strategies and supports for students in special populations to support their regular and active participation in learning series mathematics. The materials identify strategies to support language development, productive skills, and interactions throughout the series. The materials include “Additional Facilitation Notes” at the end of each lesson to assist teachers as they support students. The “Additional Facilitation Notes” include differentiation strategies, common student misconceptions, and suggestions to extend certain activities.
Examples of the materials regularly providing strategies, supports, and resources for students in special populations to support their regular and active participation in learning series mathematics include:
The materials identify strategies to support language development of all students. An academic glossary, including written definitions and visual examples, is available in MATHbook and MATHia. MATHia uses Google Translate and Text-to-Speech to support students with assignments. The Teacher Implementation Guide incorporates “Language Link” to support language development for students. Examples of “Language Link” in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide include:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 1, Lesson 4, Activity 3, the materials state, “Ensure students are familiar with terms such as bank account, account balance, and deposit. Ask students to share definitions for these terms in their own words, and then clarify as needed.”
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 2, Activity 4, the materials state, “Ensure students understand the term inverse in reference to inverse tangent. Connect to students’ prior experience solving equations with inverse operations such as addition and subtraction. Help students see that inverse tangent is the inverse operation of tangent.”
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 6, Activity 1, the materials state, “Discuss the meaning of the terms real and imaginary as opposites in everyday life to help students connect why you apply the term imaginary numbers to non-real numbers.”
The materials include “Additional Facilitation Notes” at the end of each lesson to support struggling students and advanced learners. For each differentiation strategy, the materials identify when to utilize the strategy in the lesson, the intended audience, and details of implementing the strategy. Examples of differentiation strategies in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide include:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 3, Activity 1, the materials suggest to support struggling learners by having teachers, “Suggest students lay their pencil down on top of the arrow and move it horizontally across the graph to apply the vertical line test.”
In Geometry, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 2, Activity 2, the materials suggest to support all learners as students share and summarize Questions 1 by having teachers, “Stress the connection between the two meanings of 6, as the desired outcome of and the total outcome in the conditional probability .
Have students use shading in the first table in Question 1 to demonstrate the two meanings of 6.
Discuss why this occurs regardless of the values so that students understand the proof in general terms in the worked example.”
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 3, Lesson 1, Activity 3, the materials suggest to support students who struggle as they work on Question 4, teachers’ should, “Encourage students to use patty paper to test whether the function is even, odd, or neither. Remind students to trace the graph and the x- and y-axis before they perform the reflections.”
The MATHia User Guide Implementation Tools state MATHia uses technology to,”...differentiate to create a personalized learning path for each student.” MATHia supports all students through “Step-by-Step” guided worked examples, “On-Demand Hints” providing multi-level hints, and “Just-in-Time Hints” to help correct common errors.
Indicator 3N
Materials provide extensions and/or opportunities for students to engage with grade-level/course-level mathematics at higher levels of complexity.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for providing extensions and/or opportunities for students to engage with course-level mathematics at higher levels of complexity. At the end of each lesson, the Teacher’s Implementation Guide has “Additional Facilitation Notes” to assist teachers in supporting all students, especially struggling students and advanced learners. The “Additional Facilitation Notes” include differentiation strategies, common student misconceptions, and suggestions to extend specific activities.
Examples of suggestions in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide to extend student learning to provide opportunities for advanced students to investigate grade-level content at a higher level of complexity include:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 2, Lesson 2, Activity 3, students are given the following question, “The formula for the area of a trapezoid is , where is the height and and are the lengths of each base. (a.) Rewrite the area formula to solve for the height. (b) Use your formula to determine the height of a trapezoid with an area of 24 cubic centimeters and base lengths of 9 cm and 7 cm.” The materials suggests extending the question for advanced learners by having, “students solve for and and compare it to the process they used to solve for .”
In Geometry, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 1, Activity 1, the students are instructed to, “Summarize the proof to show that circles are similar.” The materials suggest extending the statement for advanced learners by asking, “students to formally prove that all squares are similar.”
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 2, Activity 2, the materials suggest extending Activity 2 for advanced learners by having, “students explore multiplicity with zeros of degree-3 functions. Have students predict the shape of the graph of . Use graphing technology to explore multiple zeros of functions.”
An article titled “Using the Assignment Stretch with Advanced Learners'' located in Help Center, Math, Teaching Strategies states, “Each Assignment includes a Stretch that provides an optional extension for advanced learners that stretch them beyond the explicit expectation of the standards. The Teacher’s Implementation Guide provides suggestions for chunking the assignment for each lesson, including the Stretch. These suggestions consider the content addressed in each session and recommend corresponding Practice, Stretch, and Mixed Practice questions. To ensure that advanced learners are not doing more work than their classmates, consider substituting the Stretch for Mixed Practice questions. When there are no Mixed Practice questions aligned with the Stretch, substitute the Stretch for the Journal or Practice questions.”
Examples of the materials including “Stretch” questions to extend leaning of the course-level topic/concept include:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 1, Lesson 3, Assignment, a graph is provided showing the graphed function of and . An optional “Stretch” question to extend learning asks students to, “Consider the graphs of the functions and . 1) Write an equation for each function in general form. 2) Write an equation for in terms of .”
In Geometry, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 4, Assignment, an optional “Stretch” question to extend learning gives the following scenario and question, “ 1) Lake Erie, the smallest of the Great Lakes by volume, still holds an impressive 116 cubic miles of water. Suppose you start today dumping out the entire volume of Lake Erie using a cone cup. A typical cone cup has a diameter of inches and a height of 4 inches. About how long would it take you to empty the lake if you could dump out one cup per second? 2) Lake Erie has an average depth of 62 feet. Suppose the volume of Lake Erie were contained in a cylinder. What would be the radius of the cylinder?”.
In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 1, Lesson 2, Assignment, an optional “Stretch” question to extend learning asks students to, “Consider the function . 1) Determine the values of and for this polynomial function. 2) Determine the values of , or the factors of . 3) Determine the values of , or the factors of . 4) Determine the possible rational zeros of the function. 5) Check all the possible rational zeros to determine whether any of them are roots of the function .”
Indicator 3O
Materials provide varied approaches to learning tasks over time and variety in how students are expected to demonstrate their learning with opportunities for students to monitor their learning.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series provide varied approaches to learning tasks over time and variety in how students are expected to demonstrate their learning with opportunities for students to monitor their learning.
The lesson structure in the MATHbook follows a sequence of instructional activities. Students ENGAGE by activating thinking in the “Getting Started” by using prior knowledge and real-world experiences. Students DEVELOP by engaging in investigations, classification/sorting activity, worked examples, peer analysis, real-world problem solving, and mathematical problem solving in the activities. Students DEMONSTRATE knowledge by self-reflecting on their learning and practicing the new concept learned during the lesson. Students also build on fluency of concepts when engaging in Talk the Talks, lesson assignments, and mixed practice assignments. Students can monitor their own learning in MATHbook by using provided “I Can'' statements correlating to each topic.
The lesson structure in MATHia follows a sequence of instructional activities. Students ENGAGE by reading goals, learning goals, and establishing a workspace completion goal. Students DEVELOP and DEMONSTRATE by engaging in animations, classifications, explorations, graphing tools, interactive diagrams, equation solvers, real-world problem solving, and worded examples. While engaging in the workspaces, students use a Progress Meter and Skillometer to self-monitor their learning.
Examples of where materials provide varied approaches to learning tasks over time and variety of how students are expected to demonstrate their learning include:
In Algebra I, Module 3, Topic 2, Mixed Practice, students demonstrate understanding of concepts and skills from previous modules and topics when completing a Spaced Review assignment.
In Geometry, Module 2, Topic 3, Lesson 3, Getting Started, students work in groups to consider a real-world problem. The problem states “Farrah’s cat jumped onto the counter and knocked a cookie plate onto the floor, shattering it into many pieces! One large chunk has remained intact. Unfortunately, cookie plates come in various sizes, and Farrah needs to know the exact diameter of the broken plate to fix it. As she sits staring at the large piece of the broken plate, her sister, Sarah comes home from school. Farrah updates her on the latest crisis, and Sarah begins to smile. She tells Farrah not to worry because she learned how to determine the diameter of the plate in geometry class today. Sarah gets a piece of paper, a compass, a straightedge, a ruler, and a marker out of her backpack and says, “Watch this?” What do you think Sarah did?”
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 4, Activity 1, students cut out quadratic graphs and questions. Students match each equation to its corresponding graph using previous knowledge of quadratic forms and how quadratic forms reveal key characteristics. Finally, students use the graph and equation cutout to complete a graphic organizer.
Indicator 3P
Materials provide opportunities for teachers to use a variety of grouping strategies.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series partially provide opportunities for teachers to use a variety of grouping strategies. Grouping strategies are given in the “Chunking the Activity” located in the margin of the Teacher Implementation Guide at the beginning of each activity. There are differentiation strategies included in the “Additional Facilitation Notes” for each lesson providing suggestions for grouping students during the lesson. The materials state “It is your responsibility as a teacher to recognize these (collaborative) opportunities and incorporate these practices into your daily rituals.” However, there is limited information provided on how to group students based on student needs.
Examples of the materials providing opportunities for teachers to use a variety of grouping strategies include:
In Algebra I, Module 4, Topic 1, Lesson 2, Activity 3, students are given a table representing the 10 most recent scores of Jack, Aleah, and Tymar in a spelling bee. The “Additional Facilitation Notes” in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide suggests as an alternative grouping strategy to “assign different groups of students to complete the table and calculate the standard deviation for Jack, Aleah, or Tymar. Then, regroup students to share answers and work on Questions 6 and 7.” However, teachers are not provided guidance on the grouping format.
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 4, Getting Started, the “Chunking the Activity” section in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide directs teachers to “Read and discuss the introduction and diagram. Group students to complete 1-2. Check-in and share. Group students to complete 3-5. Share and summarize.” However, teachers are not provided guidance on the grouping format.
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 3, Lesson 2, Activity 3, the “Chunking the Activity” in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide directs teachers to “Read and discuss the directions. Group students to complete 1. Check-in and share. Group students to complete 2. Share and summarize.”However, teachers are not provided guidance on the grouping format.
Indicator 3Q
Materials provide strategies and supports for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English to regularly participate in learning grade-level mathematics.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for providing strategies and supports for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English to regularly participate in learning grade-level mathematics. The materials state, “Everyone is an English language learner. Whether it’s learning the language itself or the specialized, academic language of mathematics, students consistently use various strategies to make sense of the world.” Additionally, the materials state that the design and recommended implementation of MATHbook and MATHia provides students with the structure to address all four domains of language (listening, speaking, reading and writing).
In the digital materials, Help Center, Math, Teaching Strategies, an article titled “Supporting ELL Students” provides strategies used in the materials aligning to best practices. The following are strategies the article states are used in the materials: “Text-to-speech and Google Translate make the text accessible in MATHia. Throughout the text, students demonstrate that vocabulary can have multiple meanings. Comprehensive monitoring of student progress via MATHia. The adaptive nature of MATHia. Worked examples in the software and textbook provide a way to explain and model the thought process in which problems can be solved; this also applies to the step-by-step problem in MATHia. Clear learning goals are stated in each lesson, and the narrative statement at the beginning of each lesson provides an opportunity for students to anticipate how the new information will connect to previous learning.”
The MATHbook allows students to “...highlight, annotate, and even write words in their native language.” The materials also provide graphic organizers to show relationships between concepts and terms. The materials also suggest, “Grouping students provides structured opportunities for ELL to practice speaking in English. Pairing an ELL with more proficient English speakers allows opportunities to communicate their thinking in a low-stress way.” Although MATHbook provides strategies/supports for students to read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English, the strategies/supports are only available in English and Spanish.
General strategies/supports the materials provide in MATHbook for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English include:
The Academic Glossary provides definitions, ask yourself prompts, and related phrases for terms that will help students think, reason, and communicate ideas. The materials state, “There is strong evidence backing the importance of teaching academic vocabulary to students acquiring English as a second language.”
The Glossary provides written definition and visual examples for mathematic specific vocabulary. The MATHbook glossary is only available in English and Spanish.
The materials provide Language Links throughout lessons to support student language. Examples include:
In Algebra I, Module 3, Topic 2, Lesson 4, Activity 2, the Language Link provided in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide states, “Support students by providing them with the following options in place of writing an article: Record a commercial or create a poster.”
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 3, Activity 3, the Language Link provided in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide states, “Ensure students understand the meaning of counterexample in the directions. Define counter as to go against or follow the opposite direction. A counterexample is an example that disproves a statement. Provide an example, such as ‘All triangles are isosceles.’ Discuss why a scalene triangle is a counterexample.”
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 1, Activity 1, the language link provided in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide states, “Remind students to refer to the Academic Glossary…to review the definition of predict, describe and related phases. Suggest they ask themselves these questions: Does my reasoning make sense? Is my solution close to my estimate? How should I organize my thoughts? Did I consider the context of the situation?”
General strategies/supports the materials provide in MATHia for students who read, write, and/or speak in a language other than English include:
The Glossary provides written definitions and visual examples for mathematic specific vocabulary. The MATHia glossary is only available in English and Spanish.
MATHia Software Workspaces are available in English and Spanish. Students can use the text-to-speech feature in MATHia to hear the problems read aloud in several languages while customizing the speed and pitch at which the voice reads. Additionally, students are able to change the problems to all languages available within Google Translate.
All MATHia videos are fully closed captioned and are available in English and Spanish.
Indicator 3R
Materials provide a balance of images or information about people, representing various demographic and physical characteristics.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series provide a balance of images or information about people, representing various demographic and physical characteristics.
Examples of the materials providing a balance of images or information about people, representing various demographic and physical characteristics include:
MATHia allows students to create an avatar. Students choose skin color, eye shape, hair color/style, and accessories representing a variety of physical characteristics.
The materials include images on the Lesson Overview pages. However, the images often do not include people.
The materials include scenarios and real-live contexts balancing racial/ethic names, male names, and female names. Examples include:
In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 1, Lesson 3, Activity 2, the materials have students, “Consider the graph showing the quadratic function and . Antoine and Xi Ling are writing the function in terms of . Who is correct? Justify your reasoning.”
In Geometry, Module 1, Topic 1, Performance Task, students are given the following scenarios, “Sahil is using a map to estimate the area of Germany. He thinks the country could be outlined by a nonagon. He draws the polygon shown to approximate its shape.” Students find the percent of border that is coastline and population density of Germany using the map provided.
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 3, Activity 1, students are given the following, “Louis, Ahmed, and Heidi each used graphing technology to analyze the volume function, , and sketch the graph. They disagree about the shape of the graph. Evaluate each student's sketch and rationale to determine who is correct. For any students who are not correct, explain why the rationale is not correct.”
Indicator 3S
Materials provide guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student home language to facilitate learning.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series do not provide guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student home language to facilitate learning. The materials provide language support for students to learn math in English but there is no evidence of promoting home language knowledge as an asset to engage students in the content material or purposefully utilizing student home language in context with the materials.
The following general language supports are provided in the Front Matter across the series:
“The write-in-nature of MATHbook allows students to highlight, annotate, and even write words in their native language.”
MATHia includes a Glossary in English and Spanish to help students understand math specific vocabulary; however, the MATHbook Glossary is only available in English.
Indicator 3T
Materials provide guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student cultural and social backgrounds to facilitate learning.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series partially provide guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student cultural and social backgrounds to facilitate learning. The materials provide some guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student cultural and social backgrounds, but the learning goals, instructional activities, and text are not presented in a context designed to leverage diverse cultural and social backgrounds of students.
The Front Matter in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide provides general guidance to encourage teachers to draw upon student cultural and social background to facilitate learning. The Front Matter states the following:
“THINK ABOUT…How can you connect to students’ cultural, social, and geographic backgrounds and encourage them to share experiences from their lives?”
“Student Look-Fors…Appreciating the perspective of others and empathizing with their ideas are key elements of social awareness. Continually encourage students to appreciate diversity in perspectives, backgrounds, and culture as they work together during the years.”
Examples of general guidance for teachers to draw upon student cultural and social backgrounds to facilitate learning throughout lessons include:
In Algebra I, Module 5, Topic 2, Lesson 4, Activity 1, the materials provide a Student Look-Fors section stating, “Whether students are modeling appropriate social awareness.
Listening to the perspective of others
Empathizing with others’ experiences
Respecting others”
In Geometry, Module 2, Topic 2, Lesson 5, Activity 5, the materials provide a Student Look-Fors section stating, “A classroom environment where students are mindful of classmates’ perspective, cultures, and experiences.”
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 1, Lesson 1, Activity 2, the materials provide a note stating, “All situations provide opportunities for students to learn something new. Consider connecting to students’ cultural, social, and geographic backgrounds by encouraging them to share experiences from their lives related to the mathematical context similar to the given real-world situation.”
Indicator 3U
Materials provide supports for different reading levels to ensure accessibility for students.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series provide supports for different reading levels to ensure accessibility for students.
The following are examples where materials provide supports for different reading levels to ensure accessibility to students:
The Teacher’s Implementation Guide for the series includes Language Links providing, “suggestions to support language acquisition for a broader range of academic and contextual terms.”
Throughout the series, students can enable a text-to-speech feature in MATHia.
In the digital material’s Help Center, under Math, Teaching Strategies, an article titled, “Reading Strategies to Engage All Students” can be used as a resource for teachers to support implementing materials with struggling readers. The following are a few recommendations from each section provided by the article:
General Classroom Environment
“Create word walls that include vocabulary from the software and the textbook.”
“Provide highlighters and a coding structure for students to use when working in the consumable Carnegie Learning textbook.”
“Maintain high expectations for all learners.”
Creating Access to the Mathematics
“Read or have a fluent student read the problem situation that begins each lesson.”
“Avoid overt corrections when a student is reading; repeat with correct pronunciation.”
“Provide students individual time to process the problem situation before engaging in the next part of the lesson.”
Maintaining Access to the Mathematics
“Group struggling readers, including English language learners, with strong, fluent readers.”
“Create a structure within the student groups to ensure that each step of the problem is read aloud by a strong reader.”
“Allow students to first write their answers in their native language before translation into English; stress the importance of communicating the mathematical concepts over getting the English grammar correct.”
Assessing Mathematical Progress
“Allow students to present solutions for the first time in their native language. As they become more comfortable with English, transition them into presenting in English.”
“Ensure that all students are responsible for communicating the mathematics that they’ve learned.”
“Explicitly review the directions for homework assignment; ensure that all students understand the tasks.”
Software Interaction
“Encourage student collaboration.”
“Give explicit instructions on how to use the self-help tools of the Tutor.”
“Provide students an opportunity to talk about what they are reading.”
The material uses, “MetaMetrics to conduct Lexile evaluations” of all their solutions to ensure that readability is appropriate. An email is provided so that users can be provided with additional details.
Indicator 3V
Manipulatives, both virtual and physical, are accurate representations of the mathematical objects they represent and, when appropriate, are connected to written methods.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series meet expectations for providing manipulatives, both virtual and physical, that are accurate representations of the mathematical objects they represent and, when appropriate, are connected to written methods.
Examples of how Mathbooks manipulatives are accurate representations of mathematical objects and are connected to written methods:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 4, Lesson 1, Activity 2, students use a graphing calculator to compare absolute value parent functions, vertical and horizontal shifts, stretches/compressions, and reflections. Students record comparisons to draw conclusions about the coordinates resulting from the translations and transformations.
In Geometry, Module 2, Topic 2, Lesson 2, Getting Started, students are given parallel lines cut by a transversal creating corresponding angles, Angle A and Angle B. Students determine corresponding angles are congruent by using patty paper to translate one angle onto its corresponding angle. Students describe how to use patty paper and vertical angles to show alternate interior angles are congruent. Later in the lesson, students formalize work in the Getting Started by proving the Corresponding Angles Theorem and the Alternate Interior Angles Theorem.
In Algebra II, Module 1, Topic 2, Lesson 1, Activity 1, students are given a scenario about a civil engineer tasked with rebuilding a storm drain system in a city. Students use paper to model the design of a drain in the system. Students can use their model to complete a table relating the height of the drain to the width of the drain. Then, students must define a function representing the cross-sectional area of the drain in relation to the height of the drain. Finally, students use graphing technology to sketch a graph of the drain to determine the dimensions yielding the greatest cross-sectional area.
Examples of how MATHia’s manipulatives are accurate representations of mathematical objects and are connected to written methods include:
In Algebra I, Module 2, Topic 1, MATHia Software Workspaces, Transforming Linear Functions, Exploring Graphs of Linear Functions Workspace, students are given a coordinate plane where and are graphed and is written as . Students use sliders to change the value of D and observe changes to the graph of . Finally, at the end of the workspace, students choose an answer to complete the following statement, “The linear function of is…”
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 2, MATHia Software Workspaces, Trigonometric Ratios, Relating Sines and Cosines of Complementary Angles, students are given an Explore Tool to investigate trigonometric ratio relationships. To use the tool, students can enter an angle measure in degrees and press enter to discover trigonometric values of sine, cosine, and tangent. Students are prompted to calculate the and the cosine of the complement of the angle. Students are also prompted to calculate and the sine of the complement of the angle. Finally, students make a conjecture by filling in the statement, “The sine of an angle is equal to the _____ of its complement, and the cosine of an angle is equal to the _____ of its complement.”
In Algebra II, Module 4, Topic 1, MATHia Software Workspaces, Trigonometric Relationships, Understanding the Unit Circle, students watch a short animation video sharing key properties of the unit circle. Students answer questions related to properties of the unit circle.
Criterion 3.4: Intentional Design
The program includes a visual design that is engaging and references or integrates digital technology, when applicable, with guidance for teachers.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulatives/objects, and/or dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the course-level standards, and the materials partially include or reference digital technology that provides opportunities for teachers and/or students to collaborate with each other. The materials have a visual design that supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject, and is neither distracting nor chaotic, and the materials provide teacher guidance for the use of embedded technology to support and enhance student learning.
Indicator 3W
Materials integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulatives/objects, and/or dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the grade-level/series standards, when applicable.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulatives/objects, and/or dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the series standards, when applicable. Throughout the series, the Front Matter in the Teacher’s Implementation guide states, “MATHbook + MATHia work in parallel to engage students with various learning experiences they need to understand the mathematics at each grade level.”
In Concept Builder Workspaces, students are exposed to animations, classifications, explore tools, real-world problem solving, and worked examples. In Mastery Workspaces, students are exposed to classification, equation solver, graphing tools, interactive diagrams, and real-world problem solving. Since MATHia is self-paced, students are supported in learning mathematics at the series standard.
Examples of how the materials integrate technology such as interactive tools, virtual manipulative/objects, and/or dynamic mathematics software in ways that engage students in the series standard using MATHia include:
In Algebra I, Module 1, Topic 1, MATHia Software Workspaces, Understanding Quantities and their Relationships, Identifying Quantities, students watch an animation comparing the quantities of time and elevation within the context of a skier. In the workspace, students identify the independent and dependent variables, identify how one quantity changes in relation to the other quantity, and answer questions about the graph comparing the quantities.
In Geometry, Module 3, Topic 1, MATHia Software Workspaces, Dilating Figures to Create Similar Figures, Specifying a Sequence of Transformations, students press a “Transform” button after selecting the transformation needed to move a pre-image to an image. The “Transform” button performs the sequence students’ identified. Once correctly transformed, students determine whether the pre-image and image are both congruent and similar, congruent but not similar, similar but not congruent, or neither congruent and similar.
In Algebra II, Module 2, Topic 1, MATHia Software Workspaces, Polynomial Multiplication and Division, Multiplying Polynomials, students select the appropriate dimension for a factor table to multiply two polynomials. Students fill in the perimeter of the interactive factor table using the terms from the given polynomials, complete the multiplication, and then write the product in standard form after identifying the degree.
Indicator 3X
Materials include or reference digital technology that provides opportunities for teachers and/or students to collaborate with each other, when applicable.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series partially include or reference digital technology that provides opportunities for teachers and/or students to collaborate with each other, when applicable. The materials include digital technology that provides opportunities for teacher to teacher and student to student collaboration, but student to teacher collaboration is not provided.
Teachers are invited to collaborate with other educators through the “LONG + LIVE + MATH” community, “a like-minded community of educators to connect with and learn from”. Once joined, teachers will get invites to meetups, can join the online group,and have access to math-focused content through its blog.
The materials also provide LiveLab, a digital technology facilitating MATHia. LiveLab provides teachers with data, allowing teachers to identify students who need additional support. Although LiveLab offers data to teachers, it does not allow students to communicate with teachers directly.
The digital materials offer a MATHiaFlex resource that utilizes Flipgrid as a digital tool. Flipgids provides students the opportunity to, “...record videos ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes. Flipgrid features allow students to capture widescreen videos, pause while recording, add more after reviewing, trim to perfect their video, and erase and begin an unlimited number of times again. When finished, students take a picture to be displayed along with their responses and are able to add fun stickers and emojis. MATHiaFlex creates a grid community for your classroom so students can reply to each other’s videos.”
Indicator 3Y
The visual design (whether in print or digital) supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject, and is neither distracting nor chaotic.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series have a visual design (whether in print or digital) that supports students in engaging thoughtfully with the subject, and is neither distracting nor chaotic.
Teacher and student materials are consistent in layout and structure across the series. The general structure of MATHbook is organized by Modules, Topics, Lessons, and Activities. Each Lesson contains a Lesson Overview, Getting Started, Activities, Talk the Talk, and Assignment. Additionally, MATHbook contains an open space after each question for students to write.
Images, graphs, and models are not frequently used in MATHbook. When images, graphics, or models are included, they clearly communicate information supporting student understanding of topics, texts, or concepts.
Indicator 3Z
Materials provide teacher guidance for the use of embedded technology to support and enhance student learning, when applicable.
The materials reviewed for Carnegie Learning High School Math Solution Traditional series provide teacher guidance for the use of embedded technology to support and enhance student learning, when applicable.
The Front Matter in the Teacher’s Implementation Guide provides general information on Implementing MATHia. Each topic provides a chart showing the recommended sequence of MATHbook and MATHia sessions when utilizing the program in a parallel manner.
Teachers are also provided support with MATHia digitally through the program’s Help Center. Example of resources/articles supporting MATHia include, but are not limited to:
Getting Started in MATHia
MATHia FAQs articles
Technical Help for MATHia articles
Unlocking a MATHia Module
Accessing MATHia Progress Trackers for MATHbook