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Los Angeles Chooses Pearson's Innovative Math Curriculum for K-5 Students
Friday, May 16, 2008
Algebra Readiness Starts in Kindergarten with enVisionMATH California
LOS ANGELES, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles Unified School District,
the second largest school district in the nation, announced its choice of a
single research-based, innovative math curriculum for the city's K-5 students
on Wednesday. With the adoption of enVision Math California, all Los Angeles
students will be learning from the same curriculum developed by education
publisher Pearson and customized for California. Applauded by educators
nationally for its visual, innovative, research-based approach, envisionMATH
California becomes the most widely adopted curriculum in the state. The
program is centered on conceptual development and problem-solving skills, and
exposing young students to algebraic concepts as early as Kindergarten to
build a rock solid foundation for higher-level math courses in middle and high
school.
"This is a monumental decision given the Los Angeles School District's
size and influence around the country," said Vicky Bush, Pearson's vice
president for California. "Adopting enVisionMATH California as its only K-5
program makes a strong statement about the district's vision and commitment to
the importance of boosting math performance for all learners from Kindergarten
on up."
Bush said, "Across the nation, and especially in California, there has
been a call to introduce algebraic concepts before formal algebra classes, to
do so at a very early age, and then to sustain the focus in every grade." She
noted that the importance of a foundation in algebra was one of the key
findings of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel in its March 2008 report
to President Bush and Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.
"The significance of the Los Angeles adoption goes well beyond just the
elementary grades," Bush said. "It represents recognition of the need for a
holistic approach that yields benefits all the way into college, where too
many students require remedial math instruction."
enVisionMATH California author Dr. Randall Charles, Professor Emeritus,
Department of Mathematics at San Jose State University and past vice president
of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, is an author on four of
the Pearson K-12 math programs approved for adoption by California school
districts. Charles links mastery of algebra and math skills to the long-term
fiscal health of our economy and future generations. "Virtually all of the
research in recent years confirms that in order for our students to compete in
the global 21st century economy, they simply must improve significantly in
their understanding of math concepts and skills," he said. "Mathematics is a
significant obstacle for many students, and this is no longer acceptable."
Bush said that all of the K-12 programs that Pearson is offering to
California include a strong focus on algebra readiness and embedded
intervention that will not only keep students in school, but give them the
skills and confidence to realize that they can be successful in math
"We are emphasizing exactly the elements and skills cited by the National
Math Advisory Panel and the State of California," said Bush. "Fractions,
critical thinking and problem solving are the building blocks for algebra
understanding and ultimate math success. Focus on these priorities is where
school districts - such as Los Angeles - will see the biggest return on
investment when it comes to dedicating funds to new programs."
About enVisionMATH California:
This first-of-its-kind elementary math curriculum integrates a
comprehensive foundation in math conceptual development and problem-solving
skills with visual animation and next-generation technologies to give students
the mathematical grounding they need for future success. The program was
created to conform directly to California Standards and is aligned to the
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Focal Points.
Four years in the making, enVisionMATH was developed by Pearson's
elementary school publishers at Scott Foresman with research experts and the
nation's top math authorities in collaboration with classroom teachers. Key
authors of the program include Dr. Randall Charles, Professor Emeritus,
Department of Mathematics, San Jose State University, and past Vice President
of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics; and Dr. Francis "Skip"
Fennell, immediate past president of the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics, a member of the President's National Mathematics Advisory Panel,
and Professor of Education, McDaniel College, Westminster, Maryland.
Published in both English and Spanish, enVisionMATH California's strong,
visual learning design includes a Visual Learning Bridge in each lesson, with
step-by-step visuals that bridge the gap between the interactive learning
activity and guided practice. Ongoing diagnosis and intervention, daily data-
driven differentiated instruction, and regular assessment through Pearson's
SuccessTracker ensure that enVisionMATH California gives every student the
opportunity to succeed.
With both a full digital path and print textbook available, teachers will
have the flexibility to use the digital or print stand-alone versions of
enVisionMATH or a blended combination. Additional resources for students
include online digital texts with enhancements including online tests and
exercises through Pearson's SuccessNet, an interactive homework workbook, a
daily spiral review workbook, and professional development for teachers.
About Pearson in California:
Pearson, the world's leading education publisher, has been providing
education materials to California schools as far back as the 1800s. You may
know us individually as Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Longman, SuccessMaker,
NovaNet, AGS, Pearson School Systems, Pearson Assessment, Learning Teams,
Achievement Solutions, and so many more - names in the world of education that
are recognized and respected across the State and the globe. In fact, most
teachers in California have learned their profession by studying with
Pearson's Merrill or Allyn & Bacon textbooks, and many have benefited from our
professional development programs. Today, nearly a thousand Pearson people are
living and working in the State, providing educational materials that cover
the gamut from birth through professional learning. In addition to Education,
Pearson's other major businesses include The Financial Times Group and The
Penguin Group. For more information, go to: http://www.pearsonschool.com .
SOURCE Pearson
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