NYC public schools update math curriculum after pushback from teachers union
In a memo Wednesday obtained by the Daily News, Aviles-Ramos announced up to two weeks of flexibility for schools to move through the curriculum initiative, known as 'NYC Solves,' at the pace of their students.
Teachers were told to prioritize completing each unit over 'every activity in every lesson,' and plan class sessions according to sections. Last month, a small group of United Federation of Teachers members helped create guides on each of the sections for teachers to follow. As of Wednesday afternoon, those guides had yet to be shared, teachers said.
The changes appeared to axe a requirement that students take an ungraded, short quiz at the end of each class, which was intended to help teachers plan for their next sessions: 'The completion of cool-downs may vary based on instructional timing,' the memo read.
'Implementing a new curriculum is a significant undertaking, and we deeply appreciate the extraordinary efforts of our educators,' read the letter, co-signed by the heads of the teachers and principals unions. 'We are committed to continuous engagement with educators in the field and our labor partners.'
According to the latest data, only 53% of the city's public school students were proficient in math on state exams.
In an effort to boost lagging test scores and standardize instruction across grades and schools, high schools across the city are in the process of adopting a single, uniform program known as 'Illustrative Math.' By the end of this school year, the majority of Algebra 1 students are expected to use the curriculum from the company Imagine Learning.
For middle schools, local districts will choose from pre-approved curricular options that also includes Illustrative Math, which encourages students to use reasoning over memorization. This school year, eight out of 32 geographic school districts are participating in the initiative.
But the UFT has railed against the rollout, saying the current system has not equipped students with the skills they need to be ready for the packaged curriculum.
Wednesday's update followed key changes made in December to a literacy curriculum mandate by Aviles-Ramos's predecessor, former Chancellor David Banks. The overhaul of how city schools teach young children how to read was widely considered the signature work of his tenure.
The Education Department did not immediately return a request for comment. But Aviles-Ramos has insisted the adjustments made since she suddenly took the reins from Banks, who was pushed out early by Adams in response to federal investigations swirling City Hall, are not a break with his vision, but build on the initiatives he started.
'Part of what makes curriculum implementation challenging is balancing the need for teachers to modify the curriculum for their students without sacrificing rigor and coherence,' read the memo.
As part of the updated guidance, the school system is encouraging teachers to use supplemental materials and 'unit adaptation' packs that recognize what city teens know how to do. Professional development sessions will also be available to teachers on how to effectively modify the curriculum.
'These updates are a step in the right direction,' UFT President Michael Mulgrew said in an email to members Wednesday, 'as we continue to push the DOE to respect your time and expertise while providing you with the support you deserve.'
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