Input Needed: Changes in Math Next Year

[Elaine Liao Avin]

KP Community,

Many families have heard about upcoming changes to math curriculum and accelerated learning pathways. To explain what is planned for the 2026–27 school year, here is a brief summary:

• The State of Maryland is implementing new mathematics standards and policy guidance for Pre-K–12, beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

• MCPS is also adopting a new math curriculum for elementary and middle school, as the district’s contracts with Eureka Math (elementary) and Illustrative Math (middle school) are ending. MCPS has selected Amplify Desmos as the new curriculum provider for both levels. This is our current vendor for our literacy (ELA) curriculum. 

• Lastly, MCPS plans to discontinue the current elementary Compacted Math model beginning in 2026–27 and will replace it with a different accelerated learning approach. Currently, compacted Math provides accelerated instruction for qualifying students in Grades 4 and 5 which can skip content as part of the acceleration and delivered through cohort-based classes (i.e. put into one classroom together).  There are three changes occurring next year as a result of Compacted Math’s discontinuance:

• Per new math standards defined by the state, there will be no skipping of content, hence “compacted” is eliminated and replaced with “accelerated” learning where each foundation for the grade (and next grade up) will be explored

• Criteria for who will get accelerated learning will change. While there is broad information available on how current identification is made, the criteria will change to include more data (e.g., instead of just MAP it will also include MCAP and other data points). There are six cluster groups defined and criteria for these groups were recently published.

• Starting with next year’s Grade 4, students will learn in more heterogeneous classrooms where they will be grouped in clusters by their skill level, similar to the current approach used in teaching the literacy (ELA) curriculum.  

• For next year’s Grade 5 who are currently in compacted math, they will complete their current pathway which is completing the rest of Grade 5 math standards and then starting Grade 6 material in the Amplify curriculum.  Given that they are in “mid-flight” in this pathway, it is presumed they will remain in a cohorted classroom considering the starting point will be different from students just starting Grade 5 math.

Because these are significant changes that are happening all at once, many families have questions and concerns on how all these changes will be implemented at our school.

As incoming VP of Academic Enrichment for next school year, I, along with Denise Oluwo (our incoming PTA President), will meet with Principal Ross in early June to discuss the upcoming changes and how KP will prepare and implement. 

To ensure this meeting reflects the priorities and questions of the KP community, I would appreciate your input.  Please go to this survey link to review and upvote existing questions and add any additional questions you would like addressed by COB Friday, June 5th.

Thank you for your feedback and participation.

Additional Resources:

• Fuller description of Math Changes in SY26-27 (deeper explanation of the above message)

• Recap of May 7th BOE meeting explaining the rationale for the elimination of compacted math

• MCCPTA GEC Toolkit on Actions to take re: Compacted Math (includes further links and resources on the topics if you want to take a deeper dive)

• Current MCPS website’s Overview of Math Changes and FAQs