Earlier last year, Sharon Public Schools introduced its largest math curriculum update in decades, designed to give students stronger foundations and more opportunities for advanced study. All information in this article comes from Math Coordinator Tina Kelly, who helped implement the change, and other SHS math teachers.
Why the Change was Needed
When Kelly joined the district two years ago, she quickly noticed a problem: Sharon’s math curriculum was stuck in the past. Some classrooms had no textbooks, digital access was limited, and lessons varied from teacher to teacher. Simply buying new copies of old books was not the answer, as the materials no longer matched current standards or technology. Sharon was due for a complete revamp.
Trying New Options
To find the best fit, the district launched a pilot program at the high school. Teachers tested three top rated programs—Big Ideas, Envision, and Reveal—across courses such as Geometry, Algebra II, and Precalculus.
After months of trials and teacher feedback, the district chose Big Ideas for Middle School and Algebra I, and Envision for Geometry and Algebra II.
Kelly explained that the goal was multifaceted: “We wanted every student to have access to resources at home and in school, and we wanted our curriculum to be more aligned. Before, not all classrooms had textbooks or used the same materials. Now, everyone is teaching the same content at the same time.”
What’s different in classrooms now?
Step into a Sharon math class today and you’ll notice the difference immediately, as students and teachers have far more tools than before. “The new curriculum includes simulations, online graphs, and adaptive practice that lets students generate as many examples as they want,” Kelly said. “It’s much more adjustable and differentiated than our previous curriculum.”
A math teacher from SHS, Mr. Thomas Charest, also shared his perspective: “The new technology reflects where technology is going—it’s not stuck in the past. Students can manipulate diagrams and explore examples interactively, which makes the material more engaging and accessible.”
Kelly also addressed one of the biggest misconceptions: “Some parents think students aren’t using textbooks because they don’t see them carrying big books. But every student has a textbook—most just choose to use the digital version. We’re using the curriculum every single day, just in a modern way.”
Results and Goals
With the new programs, Kelly emphasized that the curriculum keeps everyone on the same page—literally and figuratively. Middle and high school teachers now meet regularly, use the same textbook, and give common assessments. For this school year, all eighth graders will take Algebra I, opening the door for students to reach calculus by senior year; Kelly explained that this is a pathway few districts can offer. She also stressed that there’s no single “right” route. Regardless of whether a student is in Accelerated, Honors, or standard classes, the objective remains the same: to provide every student with a rigorous, engaging, and meaningful math experience.
