The process of understanding math is changing in Medford’s elementary schools.
At the Monday, June 4 Board of Education meeting, enVisionMath by Pearson was adopted to replace Everyday Math.
Thomas Olson, administrative director of programming and planning, said he believes that enVisionMath better matches the needs of the district.
The program has been on the market for a few years now and is aligned with the Common Core Standards.
There are fewer topics, but more depth in each of the problems, he said.
As a plus, there are plenty of resources available with the program for parents and teachers.
Nearby districts Voorhees and Tabernacle use the program and it has proven successful thus far, he said.
“One of the nice pieces in this program is that it has a pre-test in every lesson,” said Olson.
The program is all about visual, interactive and conceptual learning.
“Math instruction has changed quite a bit over the last few decades,” he said.
All new programs being produced to teach math have a strong technology section.
Approximately 70 percent of classrooms in the district have Smartboard technology, and more will be added as funding becomes available.
Olson is excited to roll out the program for kindergarten through fifth-grades.
“I think this program will be very successful for our kids,” he said.
In other school district news:
District staffers were successful in saving the life of a reading instructor last month.
The incident occurred at about 2:45 p.m. on May 3 at Chairville School.
Sharon Conway, Glenn Heusser, Brenda Jilajian, Christina Leach, Joe Byrd and Linda Farnsworth came to the rescue by performing CPR, grabbing an AED, shocking her and ultimately resuscitating her, said Bryan McGair, assistant superintendent for finance and support services.
They were recognized for their efforts at the meeting with “You Make a Difference” awards.
“They truly saved a life,” McGair said.
Board president Michael Etter added that there is no greater gift than life.
“It’s just such an amazing thing,” he said. “What an example for the children.”
Conway said that day was “very, very overwhelming” for her and thanked administrators, including Superintendent of Schools Joseph Del Rossi for placing defibrillators in the buildings, allowing for CPR classes and the training of staff to ensure schools are safe.
In an email sent to the district shortly after the incident, Medford Education Association President Gail Weisberg wrote, “We are always proud of our members and all of their efforts on a daily basis. This however, causes chills. I cannot imagine the feeling within knowing that one has saved another. Our pride, and thanks to you for being who you are.”
