Integrated Mathematics

What is Integrated Mathematics?
Aligned to Connecticut Core Mathematics Standards, Integrated Mathematics teaches algebra and geometry together over a three-year period. Other topics such as probability and statistics are also included. Integrated Mathematics is a sequence of three courses, Math I, Math II, and Math III, each of which covers portions of existing Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 course content. The same 24 units are taught in both sequences.

Integrated Mathematics takes math learning out of silos and teaches students how to make connections across mathematical disciplines. This integrated approach enables students to use a combination of skills from algebra, geometry, and statistics to solve a problem based on their analysis and individual approach to problem-solving.  

Why change the approach to high school mathematics?
Adopting Integrated Mathematics enables SPS faculty to focus on helping students develop a greater conceptual understanding of mathematics and to learn how mathematics disciplines are intertwined.

How does Integrated Mathematics differ from the way math is currently taught?
In the United States, high school mathematics programs have been traditionally organized around a three-year sequence: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. In Integrated Mathematics algebra and geometry are taught together over a three-year period along with probability and statistics. 

Algebra 1 8 units of Algebra 1	Integrated Math I 6 units of Algebra 1 2 units of Geometry
Geometry 8 units of Geometry	Integrated Math II 2 units of Algebra 1 2 units of Geometry 4 units of Algebra 2
Algebra 2 8 units of Algebra 2	Integrated Math III 4 units of Geometry 4 units of Algebra 2

Where is Integrated Mathematics Used?
Integrated Mathematics has been adopted worldwide and has been offered in the United States since the 1990s. The Connecticut State Department of Education has included an integrated mathematics pathway option since 2016, though most districts still offer the siloed Algebra 1 - Geometry - Algebra 2 sequence. Integrated Mathematics is used in districts across the United States, including schools in California, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois, West Virginia and Utah. Most European countries - including the United Kingdom - have embraced Integrated Mathematics for decades.

What are the benefits of Integrated Mathematics?
The Integrated Mathematics curriculum exposes students to advanced content earlier than under the traditional model and promotes inquiry, analysis and reasoning skills. The approach effectively supports the mathematical demands of our science programs and aligns with the content areas covered on the PSAT and SAT.  Integrated Mathematics helps students develop the creative problem-solving skills needed for success in school and in life.

SPS students currently in 8th grade have experienced integrated mathematics since Kindergarten. The model follows the same approach and pedagogy as our existing lower-grade curriculums, including Everyday Math and Connected Math. 

The new sequence will allow more flexibility in terms of structuring content based upon individual student connections and progressions of learning. 

The countries that consistently outperform the United States on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) have long embraced integrated mathematics. 

What Is the timeline for implementing the Integrated Mathematics sequence?
The adoption of Integrated Mathematics will take place over a three-year period beginning in Fall 2023. For the 2023-24 school year, Math I will replace Algebra 1 in all SPS middle and high schools. Math II will replace Geometry during the 2024-2025 school year, and Math III will replace Algebra 2 during the 2025-2026 school year.

2023-24: Integrated Math I only
Any student who was previously determined ready for Algebra 1 will take Integrated Math I

2024-25: Integrated Math I and II
Any student who was previously determined ready for Algebra 1 will take Integrated Math I
Students who have successfully completed Integrated Math I will take Integrated Math II

2025-26: Integrated Math I, II, and III
Any student who was previously determined ready for Algebra 1 will take Integrated Math I
Students who have successfully completed Integrated Math I will take Integrated Math II
Students who have successfully completed Integrated Math II will take Integrated Math III

How was this decision reached?
Last year, the K-12 Math Committee identified a need to reassess and adjust our math sequence. The results of the Curriculum Audit reaffirmed their assessment. Over the past year, our Secondary Content Action Teams have been evaluating options and finalizing their recommendation. The 3-year transition to Integrated Mathematics is supported by both the Math and Science team leaders and department heads at all three high schools and our middle schools. The shift will address the concerns that many of our science teachers have expressed for years, ensuring students are learning the mathematical foundations and approaches that are required by high school science courses. 

Will high schools offer courses in both the traditional and integrated pathways?
The adoption of Integrated Mathematics will be phased in over three years. This transition will ensure that students currently taking Algebra I or Geometry will receive the necessary prerequisites to pursue more advanced math courses in 11th and 12th grade.

The Math I, Math II, Math III sequence aligns with the The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and offers the required foundations for Advanced Placement and Early College courses.

Traditional vs. Integrated Mathematics
Traditional and Integrated Mathematics courses cover the same content and practice standards. The difference between the traditional and integrated pathways is how the standards are organized into courses. For example, in the traditional pathway, geometry is its own course. In the integrated pathway, geometry standards are included in all three courses. The integrated pathway is intended to promote understanding of the connections across all conceptual categories, as standards from all conceptual categories are included in each of the three courses. 

Integrated Mathematics closely aligns with the approach followed by our International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years and Diploma Programs.

Does Integrated Mathematics support the Connecticut Core Standards for math?
The Integrated Mathematics curriculum is aligned with the Connecticut Core standards for Mathematics, both the Content Standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice. The Connecticut State Department of Education has offered a model curriculum for high school-integrated mathematics since 2016. Integrated Mathematics covers the same topics as Connecticut Core Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, just in a different sequence. CSDE provides 24 units and two pacing charts, enabling classes to progress through the curriculum at the rate of 8 units per year or at a slightly slower pace.

Independent of the names of the courses students take, the Connecticut Core requires all high school students to develop integrated understandings of algebra, geometry, and data analysis, where concepts, skills, and representations in each content strand support concepts, skills, problem-solving, and reasoning in the other strands. 

How will students be assessed? 
The student assessment process will be consistent with the processes that were used when assessing students in traditional math.  

How will the district monitor that all teachers are effectively teaching the expanded course subjects?
In preparation for the transition, SPS will be providing professional development to administrators and teachers. In addition, the implementation and execution will be supported within each building by administrators, department heads and team leaders. Building-based and Central Office administration will ensure that the program is implemented with fidelity across the district

Do public and private colleges and universities accept Integrated Mathematics courses?
Yes. The Connecticut State Department of Education recognizes both the integrated and traditional pathways, as do other state university systems. Private universities set their own admissions requirements, so it is imperative that students fully understand those requirements. Our transmitted transcripts will include descriptions of the Integrated Mathematics courses to assist college and university admissions counselors.

What curriculum will be used for Integrated Mathematics?
SPS issued an RFP in Fall 2022 and has received numerous curriculum options. A committee of teachers and building and central office staff are evaluating the proposals and will select the best curriculum for Stamford Public Schools. The selected program will align with the Connecticut Core Integrated Mathematics program.  

Will teachers be prepared to teach Integrated Mathematics courses in the Fall?
Yes. The shift to an integrated approach is teacher driven. Our mathematics teams have selected this approach. To support teachers in the transition to teaching the new courses, we will provide professional development for all middle and high school math teachers. 

Are there concerns regarding pacing and student success with Integrated Mathematics?
The traditional path is Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2. In this traditional path, some students study Geometry in 8th or 9th grade and do not revisit it until it appears on standardized tests taken later in high school. Similarly, teachers report that the two-year gap between Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 results in learning loss. Conversely, Integrated Mathematics continuously revisits topics and core concepts, while teaching students to use skills from multiple disciplines to problem solve. The integrated approach also effectively supports the mathematical demands of our science programs, and aligns with the content areas covered on the PSAT and SAT.  

 

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