Des Moines Public Schools has been working with Illustrative Mathematics as an important partner in our math education and curriculum efforts. Not only is IM an important partner but they are also one who has worked closely with DMPS when it comes to getting a first-hand look at how both teachers and students alike are using and benefitting from the instructional program, including a visit to several schools this spring.

As the district’s math curriculum coordinator, Isaac Rodenberg, noted at the time, their in-person work with DMPS is the best way to inform meaningful change: “This will likely lead to improved versions of the curriculum that our students will utilize.”

And as Roosevelt High School teacher Rob Randazzo pointed out: “Never before in my 24 years of teaching has the company shown up to see and hear firsthand how the curriculum is playing out in the real world. Instead of submitting feedback via a button on the internet, I had the opportunity to give feedback in person.”

Recently IM has published a case study on their work with DMPS, including how the teaching of mathematics even supports the district’s overall goals around student equity.

As IM’s report notes, “everything DMPS does, including math instruction, is guided by the idea that a high-quality education is a fundamental right of all students.”

To read more about Des Moines Public Schools and Illustrative Mathematics – and what it means for teaching and learning math for students and teachers – be sure to read or download a copy of their report below.