Math Curriculum Institute

SFUSD has launched a new K–8 math curriculum this school year as part of its goal to increase the percentage of 8th graders meeting grade-level expectations in math from 42% in 2022 to 65% by 2027. Over 800 educators attended the Math Curriculum Institutes held in June and August to prepare for the rollout.

[Elementary schools will use Imagine Learning Illustrative Math, while middle schools will adopt Amplify Desmos Math. Both are research-based and combine digital and print resources to create engaging math communities. Grounded in problem-based learning, the new approach encourages students to share ideas, build on one another’s thinking, and apply math concepts in meaningful ways.

For Christina Li, 1st grade teacher at Jose Ortega Elementary who piloted the new curriculum last year, it succeeds in building a community of math learners who are engaging and thinking creatively:

“It’s much more student-led, and the kids really spark ideas off one another. Everyone gets a chance to participate, and I can see that they’re engaged, learning, and having fun.”

At the heart of the Math Curriculum Institutes is a shared goal: ensuring every student feels confident, challenged, and inspired in math. This year, students will have more opportunities than ever to think deeply, collaborate, and discover the joy of learning.