Introducing Bridges in Math

Saint Andrew's Episcopal School is excited to share that we will be updating the math texts we use in our Pre-kindergarten through Fifth Grade classrooms. This refresh is the culmination of a multi-year process in which teams of teachers defined our schoolwide Philosophy of Math Education, reviewed the research-supported texts most widely used across the United States, visited schools to see different texts being used in real classrooms, and ultimately selected a new collection of materials that would best support the great teaching already happening in our classrooms. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, we will be using Bridges in Mathematics developed by The Math Learning Center.

As teachers, we love Bridges because of how it aligns with Saint Andrew’s approach to developing deep thinkers and problem solvers. Our classrooms will still emphasize collaboration and sensemaking, and we will be still covering the same topics in the same grade levels while differentiating for the needs of each student. The change in texts will simply better support us in putting our beliefs into practice within our classrooms.

Reviewing and updating texts is a best-practice for schools. This process helped us to clarify our values and what teachers need to translate those values into powerful learning experiences. It has also helped us to better coordinate our instruction across all grade levels. Next year our students will be using the same text series in Pre-kindergarten through Fifth Grade helping to ease grade level transitions. Moreover, these texts connect fluidly with our Middle School texts, College Preparatory Mathematics, supporting our acceleration of all students to High School courses by Seventh or Eighth Grade.

So why is Bridges the best choice for our elementary classrooms? 

Most importantly, Bridges aligns with how Saint Andrew’s students learn best. It provides a variety of lesson structures, so students get the exploration and the repetition they need to form rich and lasting knowledge. Bridges covers content at a pace that prepares them for Middle School but also allows them to explore ideas deeply. And, it emphasizes the underlying bridges between concepts, helping students to build on the knowledge they already possess. Additionally, the texts are adopted widely and supported by a strong non-profit which provides teachers with additional resources to support your children.

Teachers are already beginning to prepare for this transition. They will have access to the new materials shortly as well as professional development sessions in the early summer and fall. We are confident this change will lead to even stronger experiences for our students next year and beyond. If you have any questions please reach out. We are always excited to talk about math!

Sincerely,

Judy Millerick 

Head of Lower School