The goal of the elementary mathematics program in the Wayland Public Schools is to provide rigorous, balanced mathematics instruction to all students. The triad of conceptual, procedural and applied teaching and learning will enable students to understand mathematical concepts and procedures; apply procedures, concepts and processes to the solutions of challenging problems in a variety of settings; and to prepare students for continued study of mathematics. The WPS strives to ensure that every child will meet grade level benchmarks, and that every child is challenged at his or her appropriate level. Student success in school mathematics depends on a combination of teacher skill, a strong core program, sufficient time for direct instruction, teacher-guided exploration of mathematical ideas, individual practice, class discussion, reasoning about mathematical concepts and solving non-routine problems.

Utilizing our core mathematics program, Everyday Mathematics, the structure of our curriculum reflects our goals and emphasizes both the content standards and practice standards as identified in the 2017 Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Mathematics http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/math/2017-06.pdf Our students experience 60 minutes of differentiated core math instruction every day (Traditional K is 30 minutes) in addition to 60 minutes of flexible math intervention/prevention/extension instruction every week (Grades 1-5). In a typical 60 minute math block, students spend about twenty minutes in whole group activities and forty minutes on activities matched to their needs and levels.

Teachers are supported in improving their practice as math teachers by a carefully designed and skillfully delivered professional development program, and by two elementary math coaches who work with individual teachers and teacher teams to implement units and design daily lessons that maximize student learning, and who consult as needed on questions and concerns.

Regular mathematics assessment is viewed as an opportunity to inform instruction as well as to determine if students have met content and practice benchmarks.

The intention of the math program in the elementary schools is to provide balanced instruction and to hold all students to high standards as they explore, practice, and apply mathematics; thus accomplished, students will develop as increasingly confident learners and competent mathematical thinkers.