Forsyth County Schools Lead Math Education with Wright Group/McGraw-Hill's Everyday Mathematics

When the state of Georgia recognized the need to raise expectations for student performance to meet the demands of the 21st century, adopting new standards and assessments, Forsyth County Schools quickly emerged as a role model for mathematics instruction after a successful implementation of Wright Group/McGraw-Hill's Everyday Mathematics.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070131/NYW022 )

In fact, the Georgia Department of Education, seeking advice on how to implement standards-based mathematics statewide, consulted Forsyth County Schools, and the district's model of professional development is now being advanced throughout the state.

Forsyth County Schools first adopted Everyday Mathematics, which aligns with standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, in Grades K-6 in 2000. The district relied on professional development from Everyday Mathematics consultants for the first two years after adopting the program. During this time, the district identified and trained math specialists who would be accountable for their schools' performance. In addition, new teachers receive Everyday Mathematics training every year.

As a result, scores are consistently above the state average. The new, more challenging Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests were administered for the first time in spring 2006. An impressive 86% of Forsyth County's Grade 6 students passed the math portion, compared to 62% statewide.

Dawn Souter, the district's curriculum coordinator, credits the strong professional development combined with a proven, standards-based curriculum such as Everyday Mathematics for such impressive results.

"The organization of Everyday Mathematics works," she said. "Not only are the units themselves interesting and engaging, the order of the units provides a unique study of all of the strands of mathematics at various times during the school year."

"For example, the first unit in Grade 4 is geometry. What a hook for students to begin the year with such a high-interest, high-energy unit of study! And, while the classroom activities and instruction are focused on the topics at hand, daily on-going practice opportunities help students keep many other skills in the forefront of their minds. Due to the development of conceptual understanding and the frequent opportunities to demonstrate mastery and retention, learning is deep and meaningful," Souter explained.

To chronicle Forsyth County Schools' success, Wright Group recently published an Everyday Mathematics Success Story for the district. To download the complete story in PDF-format, visit: www.wrightgroup.com/index.php/home/everydaymathematics/emsecondupdate/emsucces sstories/54

About Forsyth County Schools

Forsyth County Schools is located about 35 miles northeast of Atlanta, and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation through the last two decades, with a 9% annual growth in student numbers. The district currently serves more than 28,100 students in Grades K-12: approximately 89% are Caucasian, 8% Hispanic, 2% Asian American, and 1% African American. About 13% are categorized as economically disadvantaged and almost 4% are English- language learners. To learn more about Forsyth County Schools, visit www.forsyth.k12.ga.us.

About Everyday Mathematics

Wright Group/McGraw-Hill's Everyday Mathematics celebrated 20 years of teaching success in 2005. This Pre-K-Grade 6 mathematics program helps student measure up to the demand for greater mathematical competence and problem- solving ability. Developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project, the research-based curriculum coincides with standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is used in nearly 185,000 classrooms across the United States by more than 3 million children.

About Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

Wright Group/McGraw-Hill publishes innovative, alternative core and supplemental literacy and mathematics programs for differentiated instruction and teacher training in Grades Pre-K-8. The research-based approach is anchored in real-world applications and is based on the assessed needs of students, combining developmentally appropriate materials with explicit outcomes.

Wright Group is part of McGraw-Hill Education, a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower the success of professionals and students of all ages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com/. For more information on Wright Group's products, call 1-800-648-2970 or visit www.wrightgroup.com.

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SOURCE: Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT: Linda Schilling
Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
312 233-7788
linda_schilling@mcgraw-hill.com
Melina Metzger
Paul Werth Associates
614 224-8114 Ext. 236
mmetzger@paulwerth.com

Web site: http://www.mheducation.com/
http://www.wrightgroup.com/
http://www.forsyth.k12.ga.us/