Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Middle School Pearson digits?

Our district has adopted Pearson digits for middle school math.

Any experience out there?

I have not heard of it. Is the district going to use it for all students and not have any ability grouping?

The philosophy behind it is at http://assets.pearsonschool.com/asset_mgr/current/201131/digits_Research_Brochure_LO.pdf

"As graduation requirements intensify, so does the pressure for students to gain proficiency in basic algebra at ever-earlier grade levels. Coupled with the growing view of algebra as the mathematical gatekeeper to future success, this expectation has resulted in two negative trends:

1. Lower-level students are being pushed into courses without the necessary foundation, setting the stage for frustration and failure as they continue to fall further behind.
2. A heavy focus on struggling learners leaves above-level students unchallenged and bored by on-level content."

It's good that they acknowledge point 2.

It looks too good to be true.

Plus, I'm always suspicious of pie charts, which are liberally sprinkled through the very slick presentation.

However, I'm also against the current model some schools use of drowning the kids in homework, and this curriculum design seems to address some of those issues.