Auburn Special Education Students Flourish With Everyday Mathematics

Once Everyday Mathematics from Wright Group/McGraw-Hill was fully implemented district-wide in Grades PreK-6 among all students in the Auburn School Department, math scores began to climb, most notably among special education students.

Sherwood Heights Elementary School was the first to implement the program, and students' scores reached an all-time high in 2007. All schools in the district adopted Everyday Mathematics by fall 2003. District-wide scores peaked in 2006, but district administrators expect them to rebound again in 2008.

Katherine Grondin, principal at Sherwood Heights, ensures students' success by setting high expectations and providing strong professional development and support for their teachers. For example, she created learning teams for teachers to advance collaboration and improve instruction.

"Our staff works together to accommodate a wide variety of learning styles and needs, including special education students," she explained. "When we first began the program, we were hesitant to include special education students because we weren't sure it would meet their needs. Now we know Everyday Math gives every student access to the best instructional practices and maximum support. These children shine when given opportunities for higher level math."

Sherwood Heights special education teacher Nancy Lander said her students enjoy the games within Everyday Mathematics and benefit from the program's spiraling content.

"We feel the program offers wonderful capabilities to all kids because they are being introduced to a high level of thinking and learning problem- solving skills. Now they have a better number sense and a better understanding of the usefulness of math in their daily lives."

About Sherwood Heights School

This Title I school serves more than 425 students in Grades PreK-6. The student population is 91% Caucasian, 5% African American, 3% Hispanic, and 1% Native American. Fifty-five percent of the children quality for free or reduced-price lunch, and 22% receive special education services. For more information, visit http://sherwood.auburnschl.edu/Site/Welcome.html.

About the Auburn School Department

Serving more than 3,500 students in Grades PreK-12, this district's student population is 89% Caucasian, 7% African American, 2% Hispanic, and 2% Asian. Forty-eight percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and 20% receive special education services. For additional information, visit www.auburnschl.edu.

About Everyday Mathematics

Wright Group/McGraw-Hill's Everyday Mathematics is the nation's leading standards-based elementary mathematics program for Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6. Everyday Mathematics celebrated 20 years of teaching success in 2005. The 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 is used in nearly 185,000 classrooms across the United States by more than 3 million children.

The third edition was recently launched and offers more support for learning differences, extra help for English-language learners, enhanced assessment and new support for the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten mathematics classrooms. The third edition also features new technology components to support teachers and students.

About Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

Wright Group/McGraw-Hill publishes innovative 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. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 40 languages. 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.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

SOURCE: Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT: Tom Stanton
McGraw-Hill Education
+1-212-904-3214
tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com
Melina Metzger
Paul Werth Associates
+1-614-224-8114 Ext. 236
mmetzger@paulwerth.com

Web site: http://www.mheducation.com/
http://www.wrightgroup.com/
http://www.auburnschl.edu/
http://sherwood.auburnschl.edu/Site/Welcome.html