District takes new approach to math

MAT-SU -- Mat-Su schools are changing the way they teach math. At its last meeting, the Mat-Su School Board voted unanimously to approve the Everyday Math Program.

Unlike traditional math programs, in which students march through, chapter by chapter, until they reach the end of the book, the new program spends less time on each topic but returns to the topics again and again throughout the school year.

Kim Floyd, the school district's information specialist, said Everyday Math was adopted for districtwide use.

"A good majority of elementary schools are already using Everyday Math," she said.

Iditarod Elementary has used the program to celebrated success, winning the national No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School award earlier this year for demonstrating exceptional student gains in math and reading.

In an interview earlier this year, Iditarod Principal Nancy Nicholson said Everyday Math was partially responsible for the school's success.

"It's a spiraling program, rather than linear," Nicholson said. "Kids remember things from earlier in the year, start making connections and the light comes on."

While the program was adopted for districtwide use, there will be allowances for schools to use different approaches if they first receive approval by the school district's curriculum council.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.