North Carolina District Moves to Blended Math Curricula

• By David Nagel
• 07/30/09

Greene County Schools in North Carolina is taking a blended approach to math learning, combining traditional textbooks with interactive software and collaborative technologies.

The district is adopting Carnegie Learning Blended Math Curricula Solutions in an effort to provide ongoing formative assessments for students and professional development for teachers. It's being deployed in two high schools and one middle school in the district, impacting about 1,800 students.

"Technology is much more than equipment," said Pat MacNeill, assistant superintendent of Greene County Schools, in a statement released this week. "We are committed to using our laptops and infrastructure to deliver engaging, effective curriculum that is rigorous and relevant to all students. Carnegie Learning Math Curricula Solutions met these objectives, and we look forward to delivering individualized, self-paced programs that get our students excited about math."

According to Carnegie Learning, the deployment includes the Cognitive Tutor series of math software tools, including Bridge to Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Cognitive Tutor programs include a mix of software, textbooks, professional development, and other resources. The formative assessments will be used to enable differentiated instruction based on students' measured abilities. In terms of professional development, the implementation includes training and classroom support and coaching. It also includes a "leadership seminar for district administrators and principals providing an overview of data tools and strategies to support mathematics teachers using Carnegie Learning instructional materials," according to Carnegie Learning.

Greene County Schools serves students in five schools, including two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.