Big Ideas Learning, HMH Launch New Math Curriculum for Algebra 1

Instructional materials providers Big Ideas Learning and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt have launched two new releases in the Big Ideas Math line: Big Ideas Math Accelerated Grade 7 and Big Ideas Math Algebra 1.

The dual pathways curriculum is tied to the Common Core State Standards for middle school mathematics and, through its compacted pathway, is designed to help prepare students for college-level mathematics by giving students a leg up on algebra through an opportunity to complete Algebra I by the eighth grade.

With the compacted pathway, accelerated learners can progress to taking geometry at the beginning of their freshman year and proceed to subjects such as calculus whenever they're ready.

In addition to the compacted pathway, schools can also choose to follow a more traditional path designed to allow students to complete Algebra I in their freshman year, a move the makers say will allow districts to gauge their own needs and respond accordingly.

The release makes Big Ideas Math the only program to offer such programming aligned to the Common Core State Standards with the option of both regular and compacted pathways, according to the companies.

Featuring both direct instruction and student inquiry, the curriculum aligns to the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Content and Standards for Mathematical Practice. Exercises are built around the standards and are designed to help students develop higher order thinking and reasoning skills by applying what they have learned in direct instruction to problem solving practice.

The program has already received a 2012 Textbook Excellence Award in math and statistics from the Text and Academic Authors Association.

Digital versions of the books and resources for students and teachers are available at bigideasmath.com.

For more information about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, visit hmhco.com. For more information about Big Ideas Learning, go to bigideasmath.com.

 

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