Episode 5.4: Fairies and Third Edition of Core Connections MS!

Mathematics education never stands still. After a decade of classroom implementation, research advances, and teacher feedback, CPM Educational Program has reimagined their middle school curriculum for today's learning environments.

In this enlightening conversation with Tony Jones (Managing Editor) and Karen Wootton (Director of Curriculum Assessment), we explore how the third edition of CPM's Core Connections middle school courses brings cutting-edge teaching practices directly into mathematics classrooms. This isn't merely an update – it's a thoughtful integration of proven strategies that transform how students engage with mathematical concepts.

The new edition incorporates Building Thinking Classrooms principles through vertical non-permanent surfaces where students work collaboratively while standing, making their mathematical thinking visible to everyone. Daily randomized teams ensure students experience diverse perspectives, while streamlined one-day lesson structures maintain coherent mathematical storylines despite changing group dynamics.

Teachers will appreciate the addition of structured "door questions" to immediately engage students, brief "launches" that activate mathematical thinking, and reflection journals that deepen student understanding. Meanwhile, beloved problem contexts like the "jumping frogs of Calaveras County" and "algebra walk" remain intact, preserving what has made CPM distinctive while updating content to ensure all students see themselves reflected in the curriculum.

Beyond pedagogical enhancements, the team carefully analyzed and adjusted content alignment with current standards frameworks, rebalanced major and supporting work clusters, and completely refreshed the physical design with new illustrations, fonts, and spiral-bound teacher materials for improved usability.

Discover how this curriculum evolution honors what works while embracing what's next in mathematics education. Whether you're a current CPM teacher or simply curious about how curriculum can respond to research advances, this conversation offers valuable insights into thoughtful educational design.

Ready to explore how the third edition might transform your mathematics classroom? Visit support.cpm.org or check out the materials at CPM's booth at an upcoming mathematics conference.

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The More Math for More People Podcast is produced by CPM Educational Program.
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