To view samples of the Mathworks curriculum, see here.
Research shows that "students who complete Algebra II are more than twice as likely to graduate from college compared to students with less mathematical preparation".[1] However, for many students, just passing Algebra I is a major hurdle. Only 41% of Texas high school graduates are ready for Algebra, and among Texas teens, only 50% have passing mastery (score of 70% or better) of math.[2] The long-term achievement gap among students of differing ethnic and socioeconomic groups can be significantly reduced or even eliminated if students increase their success in algebra and higher-level mathematics. To raise the level of math education, we need to engage students when they are young, support them during critical middle school years, and build on that foundation during high school.
[1] National Mathematics Advisory Panel
[2] The Academy of Medicine, Engineering, and Science of Texas
Mathworks' innovative school-year curriculum integrates learning from the laboratory of summer math camps with objectives that cover the TEKS through Algebra I. Young students are engaged in using algebraic ideas, and these ideas are built upon throughout their middle school years. Math Explorations weaves algebra and algebraic ideas with hands-on, inquiry-based explorations for students working independently and in groups. The curriculum is presented in carefully developed textbooks and supporting materials that are used in a growing number of pilot locations throughout Texas. The results are being rigorously tested, evaluated, and prepared for broader adoption.
For more information about the Mathworks curriculum, contact us at:
The three Mathworks textbooks are:
2010-2011 School Year | ||||
| School District | Schools | Grades | # of Teachers | # of Students |
| Midland | 8 schools | 6, 7 | 14 | 1,150 |
| New Braunfels | Oak Run, and New Braunfels | 6, 7 | 12 | 1,500 |
| Austin | Kealing | 6 | 3 | 300 |
| San Marcos | Miller | 6, 7, 8 | 3 | 85 |
| TOTALS | 32 | 3,035 | ||
2009-2010 School Year | ||||
| School District | Schools | Grades | # of Teachers | # of Students |
| Midland | Alamo, Abel, Goddard, San Jacinto | 7 | 8 | 409 |
| McAllen | Fossum, Travis | 6, 7, 8 | 8 | 657 |
| Austin | Kealing | 6 | 3 | 242 |
| San Marcos | Miller | 6, 7 | 2 | 58 |
| TOTALS | 20 | 1,366 | ||
2008-2009 School Year | ||||
| School District | Schools | Grades | # of Teachers | # of Students |
| McAllen | Fossum | 6, 7 | 5 | 420 |
| San Marcos | Miller | 7 | 1 | 30 |
| TOTALS | 6 | 450 | ||
STUDENTS
"Math Explorations allows me to practice what we have learned in class and become more experienced in the topic." - student in McAllen, TX
"Using Math Explorations REALLY does help me succeed in math." - student in McAllen, TX
"I never knew that some of the stuff I'm learning even existed! I would like to learn more from this book." - student in McAllen, TX
"I think that this book is a good tool because it prepares us for algebra in the older grades. I am enjoying using this book. I am learning so much from this book and I like being challenged." - student in McAllen, TX
"I love using it [the textbook] becuase I learn more and more and more math." - student in McAllen, TX
"I am looking forward to another semester with the awesome book and teacher." - student in McAllen, TX
"I love this book. It's small and not very heavy. And it has a lot of information." - student in McAllen, TX
"I think it is fun yet challenging...it is a great book. I've advanced a lot more in my studies and in math class." - student in McAllen, TX
"I've always had a hard time learning math, but this book helps me a little more to understand." - student in McAllen, TX
"Math is easy and fun after you learn how to do it. This book explains things well and is easy to understand." - student in McAllen, TX
"I love Math Explorations. I can't wait till next semester to use Math Explorations more." - student in McAllen, TX
"This book is teaching me more than I usually learn." - student in McAllen, TX
"It's a challenging book and I am looking forward to studying it again." - student in McAllen, TX
"I like this book becuase it makes complicated things easier." - student in McAllen, TX
"I'm not a very good English or history person. But when it comes to math and science, I love it. This curriculum was a great experience. I love to be challenged. I look forward to a challenge, and without a great challenge I would be discouraged about math. I thought this was the best challenge I have ever faced." - student in Midland, TX
"The activities [from Math Explorations] we do are great, especially because I get to learn more than I have in the past." - student in San Marcos, TX
"I love this class and I learn a lot. I would like to continue using Math Explorations!" - student in San Marcos, TX
TEACHERS
"I love this curriculum. I love how it is getting [the students] to start doing algebra and thinking more critically." - teacher in Midland, TX
"I received my TAKS scores and 95% of the kids passed! I think your curriculum is great for the new rigors of STAAR testing. your questions are so thought-provoking and really make kids think." - teacher in Midland, TX
"The textbooks: I love how the chapters begin with a launch to stimulate thinking. Then it goes into the lesson with good examples explaining the processes for the concepts. Finally, it has problems that range from easier ones to more complicated ones. I love the variety! The program: this program has the availability of higher-level problem solving strategies that can push students to above level thinking. The warm-ups: I love having built-in warmups so I don't have to make them up as we go. It is wonderful." - teacher in Midland, TX
"Some curriculums are just skill based, some curriculums are just problem-based. And this one, I think it melds both of those things together. So the kids are getting skills, and they're figuring out story problems, and understanding why things are happening. So it melds both of those together." - teacher in San Marcos, TX
COMMUNITY LEADERS
"As we roll out the Mathworks curriculum to everyday classrooms, I forsee the day when young students will no longer be plagued by a deficiency in math skills." - Jim Smith, Mathworks Advisory Board member, trustee of St. Edward's University
"It's imperative that the methods and materials from the summer camps make their way into the mathematics curriculum so that everyone can benefit from a much higher level of understanding." - Jeff Kodosky, Mathworks Advisory Board member, co-founder of National Instruments
"I am excited about Mathworks because of the demonstarted effectiveness of introducing algebra concepts in 6th and 7th grade math classes." - Robert Rutishauser, Mathworks Advisory Board member, former CFO of MCC
Join the Conversation