The successful implementation of any new curriculum involves thoughtful planning and hard work on many levels. Experience from the field suggests that the following are critical factors in successfully using Investigations to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students.
- A Plan. Designing and implementing a long-term, well-articulated plan requires a diverse team with a strong leader and a shared vision of what effective elementary mathematics teaching and learning can and should look like. Communication about the plan needs to be clear and consistent, so that people know what is expected of them, and what resources are available to support them in their work.
- Professional Development. Deepening math teaching and learning requires a commitment to sustained professional development. All groups — teachers, teacher leaders, coaches/specialists, principals and administrators, etc.— will need professional development designed to meet their needs. Schools and districts also need to be building capacity—identifying, developing, and supporting leaders in each of these groups.
- Families. In a world where most adults learned that math is about memorizing a series of facts or steps or procedures, parents and families need to know why Investigations has been chosen, how it approaches the teaching and learning of math, and how they can help at home. They need to understand that Investigations focuses on the basics, and also asks that our children develop understanding, flexibility, and the ability to reason mathematically — skills that are in high demand in today's high-tech and ever-changing world.
The Developing a Plan, Professional Development, and Working with Families sections are designed to support educators in thinking through the above aspects of their implementation plan.