Los Angeles Chooses Pearson's Innovative Math Curriculum for K-5 Students

"This is a monumental decision given theLos Angeles School District's size and influence around the country," said Vicky Bush, Pearson's vice president forCalifornia. "Adopting enVisionMATHCalifornia as its only K-5 program makes a strong statement about the district's vision and commitment to the importance of boosting math performance for all learners from Kindergarten on up."

Bush said, "Across the nation, and especially inCalifornia, there has been a call to introduce algebraic concepts before formal algebra classes, to do so at a very early age, and then to sustain the focus in every grade." She noted that the importance of a foundation in algebra was one of the key findings of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel in its March 2008 report to President Bush and Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.

"The significance of theLos Angeles adoption goes well beyond just the elementary grades," Bush said. "It represents recognition of the need for a holistic approach that yields benefits all the way into college, where too many students require remedial math instruction."

enVisionMATHCalifornia author Dr. Randall Charles, Professor Emeritus, Department of Mathematics at San Jose State University and past vice president of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, is an author on four of the Pearson K-12 math programs approved for adoption byCalifornia school districts. Charles links mastery of algebra and math skills to the long-term fiscal health of our economy and future generations. "Virtually all of the research in recent years confirms that in order for our students to compete in the global 21st century economy, they simply must improve significantly in their understanding of math concepts and skills," he said. "Mathematics is a significant obstacle for many students, and this is no longer acceptable."

Bush said that all of the K-12 programs that Pearson is offering to California include a strong focus on algebra readiness and embedded intervention that will not only keep students in school, but give them the skills and confidence to realize that they can be successful in math

"We are emphasizing exactly the elements and skills cited by the National Math Advisory Panel and theState of California," said Bush. "Fractions, critical thinking and problem solving are the building blocks for algebra understanding and ultimate math success. Focus on these priorities is where school districts - such asLos Angeles - will see the biggest return on investment when it comes to dedicating funds to new programs."

About enVisionMATHCalifornia:

This first-of-its-kind elementary math curriculum integrates a comprehensive foundation in math conceptual development and problem-solving skills with visual animation and next-generation technologies to give students the mathematical grounding they need for future success. The program was created to conform directly to California Standards and is aligned to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Focal Points.

Four years in the making, enVisionMATH was developed by Pearson's elementary school publishers at Scott Foresman with research experts and the nation's top math authorities in collaboration with classroom teachers. Key authors of the program include Dr. Randall Charles, Professor Emeritus, Department of Mathematics, San Jose State University, and past Vice President of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics; and Dr. Francis "Skip" Fennell, immediate past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a member of the President's National Mathematics Advisory Panel, and Professor of Education, McDaniel College,Westminster, Maryland.

Published in both English and Spanish, enVisionMATHCalifornia's strong, visual learning design includes a Visual Learning Bridge in each lesson, with step-by-step visuals that bridge the gap between the interactive learning activity and guided practice. Ongoing diagnosis and intervention, daily data- driven differentiated instruction, and regular assessment through Pearson's SuccessTracker ensure that enVisionMATHCalifornia gives every student the opportunity to succeed.

With both a full digital path and print textbook available, teachers will have the flexibility to use the digital or print stand-alone versions of enVisionMATH or a blended combination. Additional resources for students include online digital texts with enhancements including online tests and exercises through Pearson's SuccessNet, an interactive homework workbook, a daily spiral review workbook, and professional development for teachers.

About Pearson inCalifornia:

Pearson, the world's leading education publisher, has been providing education materials toCalifornia schools as far back as the 1800s. You may know us individually as Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Longman, SuccessMaker, NovaNet, AGS, Pearson School Systems, Pearson Assessment, Learning Teams, Achievement Solutions, and so many more - names in the world of education that are recognized and respected across the State and the globe. In fact, most teachers inCalifornia have learned their profession by studying with Pearson's Merrill or Allyn & Bacon textbooks, and many have benefited from our professional development programs. Today, nearly a thousand Pearson people are living and working in the State, providing educational materials that cover the gamut from birth through professional learning. In addition to Education, Pearson's other major businesses include The Financial Times Group and The Penguin Group. For more information, go to: http://www.pearsonschool.com .

SOURCE Pearson

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