Math has become an ongoing topic for our country. Whether you are a teacher trying to ensure your diverse students will be prepared for state tests, or you are a parent who is trying to work with a struggling child, math can be stressful.
There is a current perception that math something you “get” or you don’t. But, just like any other skill, math can be practiced and developed. Teaching or tutoring your student/child with confidence, and allowing this skill to be mastered, can be a hard task. Often times a curriculum can make the difference.
The curriculums below are highly ranked, are rigorous, standards based, and awesome for students. Look at the pros and cons for your classroom or student to decide if they’re right for you!
Zearn
Zearn Home Screen
Best Features:
Zearn allows students to have an online math curriculum and has in-person support. It also creates lesson for individual or small group support based on the student’s achievement. (I love curriculum that helps me do my interventions!!) It also hosts professional development and support for those who buy the curriculum. I have previewed several online curriculums, and this one looks awesome!
Awards and Certifications:
- Ranks as a top curriculum on www.edreports.org
- 4/5 on Common Sense Education
Pricing:
$2,500 per school year
An additional $500 for teacher development.
An additional $28 per student workbook
Downfalls:
Zearn is a little pricy for small schools or home school families. However, they may allow you to purchase the school price and split it among several homeschool families.
Who I would recommend this to:
This curriculum is definitely set up to support a traditional brick and mortar public school. However, if a homeschool group purchased this package for their group, it could be an amazing experience for students to still have homeschool flexibility and rigorous math lessons.
University of Utah Middle School Math Project
The Utah Middle School Math Project Home Screen
Best Features:
This is a FREE math curriculum. Yes. This is FREE. The University of Utah sponsored this project to help teachers get access to FREE materials. I have previewed the downloadable materials, and they look great. Maybe I am biased because they are my alma mater… but it’s still an awesome option. The U of U has stated that more curriculum materials will be added over time.
Awards and Certifications:
- Has perfect score in rigor and alignment from Ed Reports
Pricing:
FREE
Downfalls:
There is no teacher development or support with this curriculum, and currently it is only for middle school students. All materials will need to be downloaded into an adobe pdf to write on electronically, or will need to be printed off.
Ready Curriculum Associates
Ready Curriculum Associates for North Carolina
Best Features:
This curriculum is very well priced and be purchased a few books at a time. I have seen this been used as a tutoring curriculum on Saturdays and a stand alone curriculum. This can be used for small groups or large grade levels since materials can be purchased individually. These are Common Core standard aligned, but if you are a home school family who does not love those standards, you can always pick and choose which lessons you will use in a given school year. These curriculums are also tailored by state. Read Curriculum also makes supportive online math and reading materials (iReady).
Awards and Certifications:
- Perfect score on Ed Reports
Pricing:
Pricing depends on whether you want the curriculum to be just math or if you want state test related problems in each book. Check out the pricing here.
DownFalls:
I honestly can’t find anything bad with this curriculum. It looks great.
Who I would recommend this to:
Anyone who needs a math curriculum that is strategic and covers the essential concepts. If you don’t love the curriculum, look into their supplemental programs.
Bridges In Mathematics
Bridges In Mathematics Home Screen
Best Features:
Bridges In Mathematics math curriculum has great ratings and comes with manipulatives for students to use while learning. There are also supplemental intervention materials that can be purchased (yes! Thank you!).
Awards and Certifications:
- High rankings on Ed Report
Pricing:
$1,500 for a complete kit for 30 students
Downfalls:
If you have less than 30 students, you cannot purchase this curriculum individually. However, you can definitely purchase a kit and share it between several classes or homeschool families. There are teacher workbooks that can be bought separately. This math curriculum is also only for elementary school students.
Who I would recommend this to:
Any traditional school setting or a homeschool group. This is a very reasonable price for a quality curriculum… and materials! A winner for any educator.
Time4Learning
Time4Learning Home Screen
Best Features:
Time4Learning is a math curriculum marketed to homeschool families. While completing the curriculum, students create a portfolio that can be used with the state homeschool regulations. However, it can also be used a supplement to students struggling in math. This curriculum goes all the way from PreK to High School and is totally online, and allows parents to screen every lesson before the student takes it.
Awards and Certifications:
- Top 100 Education Websites since 2009
- iParenting Disney Media Group Award
Pricing:
PreK – 8th grade is $19.95 per month ($14.95 for each additional student)
High school $30 per month and includes 4 courses
Downfalls:
Time4Learning is self paced and is mastery based. That means a student could get stuck on a concept for a long time. Time4Learning also does not have resources that show where they are receiving their grade level benchmarks. Also anytime you have a completely online program, there is a fair amount of monitoring that must still occur from an adult. Students typically start to “mess around” and get unfocused.
Who I would recommend this to:
Parents and teachers who are looking for supplemental material. Parents and teachers looking for an online program. Homeschool families who need help with math.