For the 2026-27 school year, BFS has implemented a new Elementary Mathematics program, Everyday Math. Previously, Eureka Math was used, but it presented several issues including that its instructional approaches to problem solving were challenging for students to understand and the program no longer provides professional development opportunities and materials to schools outside the United States.
After an extensive teacher-led review process to analyze different options, the Everyday Mathematics program was selected. Everyday Math was developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project and is published by McGraw-Hill Education.
The U.S. Department of Education What Works Clearinghouse™recognizes Everyday Mathematics as the most effective core Elementary mathematics program in the U.S. Furthermore, according to a review by EdReports, an independent non-profit designed to improve PK-12 education, Everyday Mathematics meets expectations for alignment to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics across the areas of:
- focus and coherence
- rigor and practice-content connections
- usability including teacher supports and student supports
Everyday Mathematics materials were designed purposefully, according to research-based principles, with features that provide a range of opportunities for all students to learn. The materials are flexible and provide teachers with a range of resources for meeting their students’ diverse learning needs.
After one full quarter of learning with Everyday Math, the overall response to the change from teachers across Kindergarten to Grade 5 has been positive. According to Grade 1 Teacher, Mr. Deion Coleman:
“I have found Everyday Math to be more engaging for students because of its emphasis on a gamification approach to learning. The students enjoy participating in the different games and activities, and I have found that the games are well-aligned with the curriculum and the skills students are expected to learn.”
Grade 5 Teacher, Mr. Aaron Phillips shared:
“The ability to have materials and current curriculum is much improved. The addition of the student resource textbook and multiple ways to practice and understand concepts has made this format very accessible for students.”
The majority of students also view this change positively. Grade 5 students report that they like the Everyday Math student reference book, the fun games and engaging group activities, and they find the program to be clear and easy to understand.
While implementing any new curricular program involves a learning curve for both teachers and students, we look forward to continuing to enhance the Elementary math learning experience.
