Topeka School District Improves Elementary Math Instruction With Wright Group/McGraw-Hill's Everyday Math

Since Topeka School District 501 students began using Wright Group/McGraw-Hill's Everyday Mathematics in fall 2004, math scores have increased, especially among low-income students -- reaching an all-time high in 2007. Everyday Mathematics, hard-working teachers, motivated students, and supportive parents are credited with the increase in scores.

For example, 67% of Grade 4 low-income students scored Proficient or Above on the Kansas Math Assessment in 2004 prior to using Everyday Math. After three years with the program, that percentage increased to 74%.

Ethel Edwards, director of curriculum and instruction for the district, said educators in Grades K-6 in all 21 elementary schools and five middle schools teach Everyday Mathematics. Teachers cite several program components as key to student achievement.

"The best part about the program is the dialogue it generates among students. They actually talk about math and how it relates to their everyday lives," she explained. "The mental math and reflexes section at the beginning of each lesson is a real plus because it gets students talking and sharing ideas. Different students bring different things to the table, and Everyday Math ensures all students participate, not only the ones who get the right answers. That's because they know there are multiple ways to find the right answer."

Edwards said the district conducted a teacher survey during spring 2007 to see if they wanted to continue with Everyday Math. More than 90% at every grade level wanted to keep it.

"Across the board, teachers really like it," she said. "Students like it too. A Grade 1 teacher told me her students love to show off their strategies. They feel empowered."

Teachers in Grades 5 and 6 tell Edwards their students now have so much more number sense than their students had years ago, before the program began. "This is due to the fact they've experienced Everyday Mathematics for several years," she said.

About Topeka Unified School District 501

Serving more than 13,000 students in Grades K-12, this district's student population is 46% Caucasian, 24% African American, 18% Hispanic, and 12% multicultural. Sixty-six percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. To learn more about the district, visit www.Topeka.k12.ks.us.

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.

Visit EverydayMathSuccess.com to read about the program's efficacy and to see videos of the program in use in the classroom and see WrightGroup.com/parent_connection/index.html for parent resources.

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 www.mheducation.com. For more information on Wright Group's products, call 1-800-648-2970 or visit WrightGroup.com.

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

SOURCE: Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

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

Web site: http://www.wrightgroup.com/
http://www.mheducation.com/