Quick recap

This meeting focused on reviewing the IXL Math Momentum program outcomes and discussing the new Amplify Desmos Math curriculum implementation. Byron presented data showing that nearly 2,000 families registered for the IXL program, with 781 students showing growth, though challenges remained with parent engagement as about 55% of registered families did not actively participate. Stephanie Brandt, MCPS curriculum director, introduced the new math curriculum which will replace Eureka Math and Illustrative Math, explaining that it includes standards-aligned content with built-in differentiation and will provide parents with access to a caregiver hub through the Desmos platform. The discussion included questions about how the new curriculum will be integrated with existing systems and how parents can access information about their children’s progress.

Next steps

Parents’ Council Reps

• Read the letter and response to the survey if interested in volunteering to serve as a NAACP-MC Parents’ Council Rep at your school next year
• Read the description of the PC Rep role and duties in this letter going to all Principals requesting their nominations
• https://1drv.ms/w/c/9cc8fb6622371cb3/IQCWS1X49GfBQK_EfzFfITTMAS2YturDv1OJ6GLDWFtXhwc?e=pg11u8  
• Complete this survey https://s.zoom.us/m/bPFdI9FwX  
• Contact your school Principal and let them know you’re interested in serving as a volunteer in this role  

Byron

• Send out meeting notes, survey, and letter/memo regarding parent council rep responsibilities and nomination process to all attendees
• Share IXL results slide deck and related materials with interested parents for use with principals and school communities to advocate for using IXL
• Facilitate connections among parent council reps within clusters to support collaboration and information sharing across school levels
• Obtain and share with parent council reps the memo and timeline from Libby Rogovoy/ED, Chief of Schools regarding field trip planning and funding
• Encourage parent council reps to begin internal planning for field trips in August, while awaiting final grant confirmation
• Collect and consider feedback from parent council on key issues to track for equity and consistency (e.g., books read, field trips, grading policies) for possible future tracking via spreadsheet or other method
• Encourage parent council reps to advocate at school level for early and clear communication about field trip opportunities and requirements

  Robin

• Share example of the Excel tracking spreadsheet with Byron and group to consider as a tool for comparing program implementation and equity across schools

  Stephanie Brandt

• Provide information to Byron/Robyn regarding current status and plans for dual enrollment/Middle College funding and course coverage
• Work with OSA and Student Data Systems team to include personalized explanations and growth expectations with MAP score mailers to parents
• Ensure “Booked for the Summer” document and related summer resources (including IXL and reading packets) are communicated to families via Things to Know and other channels
• Explore the possibility of offering English IXL and/or Amplify CKLA Boost for ELA, and communicate findings to parents
• Communicate with schools to ensure letters regarding rising 4th grade cluster groupings are sent to parents before school ends
• Work with team to provide criteria and context for MAP score growth and placement criteria, and communicate to parents
• Ensure Amplify Desmos Math and IXL access information (including direct links for home use) is clearly communicated to families
• Work with IT to ensure seamless access to Amplify and IXL platforms via Clever and ParentVUE, and update families on access methods
• Develop and communicate a “playbook” or guidance for families on use of new Amplify CKLA 3rd edition books sent home over summer

  Collaboration

• Robin/Byron: Define key criteria/issues to track in potential cross-school comparison spreadsheet and share with group for feedback

   
  Agenda & Presentations link

  Video link

  CHAT link

  Summary

  IXL Math Program Review Meeting

  Byron led a meeting to discuss the IXL math program outcomes and review end-of-year activities. He presented data showing that while the program had positive impacts for participating families, with nearly 800 students showing growth, about 55% of registered parents did not engage with the program. The group discussed scaling efforts and strategies for reaching more families, including potential partnerships with schools like Wheaton High School’s Saturday program. Byron also announced plans for a “March Mathness” competition across six regions and outlined the process for selecting new parent council representatives for the upcoming school year.

  IXL Program Growth and Awards

  Byron presented data showing significant growth in math scores among students who participated in the IXL program, with top schools accounting for over 40% of total participants and most students showing double-digit growth. The program’s awards ceremony at Kid Museum’s Invent the Future Expo was well-attended with 900 signups, where 257 students received medals and gold, silver, and bronze buttons for meeting skill goals. Byron emphasized the need for sustained effort to reach more families, particularly those who would benefit most from the program, as the current participants were primarily students already performing at or above grade level.

  Amplify Desmos Math Curriculum Implementation

  Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aJgUeSQlwewbKcOKZse8tG3DUrCKOFHfQeL3tQfATaQ/edit?usp=sharing

  The meeting focused on the implementation of the new Amplify Desmos Math curriculum in MCPS. Stephanie Brandt presented key features including standards alignment, built-in differentiation, and a caregiver hub with resources in multiple languages. Participants raised questions about platform integration, with Ashley Mack suggesting integration with ParentVUE for easier access. Stephanie confirmed that elementary students will have 60-75 minutes for math daily, while middle and secondary schools will maintain about 45-50 minutes. The curriculum will replace Eureka Math and will be accessible through Clever tiles, though the exact integration details are still being finalized.

  Summer Learning Initiatives Update

  Stephanie presented updates on summer learning initiatives and curriculum implementation. She announced that a front-facing calendar for families will be released in early August, along with professional learning for teachers starting Monday. The integration with Amplify and Desmos math may not happen until later in July, and summer packets with literacy and math materials will be available for distribution to families. Stephanie also introduced a new student profile mailer that will be sent home, replacing the previous MAP parent reports, with QR codes providing additional information and support for interpreting scores.

  Curriculum and Assessment Updates

  Stephanie addressed questions about curriculum distribution and cluster grouping letters for rising 4th graders, confirming that schools are sending out the required letters and that some schools will send them by the next day. She discussed exploring the inclusion of English IXL and Amplify CKLA boost programs, noting conversations with the chief academic officer about these options. Ashley raised concerns about limited growth in MAP scores for her African American student, and Stephanie explained that while 5-point gains are significant on diagnostic tests, the focus should be on district assessments and classroom performance rather than relying heavily on MAP scores.

  Curriculum Upgrade and Resources Discussion

  Stephanie explained that the curriculum is being upgraded to the 3rd edition of Amplify CKLA, which includes more novels and better differentiation supports for students. She confirmed that books sent home with students can be used for summer learning and will provide guidance to families once the curriculum upgrade is finalized. The group discussed concerns about accessing math resources like IXL without home Chromebooks and the need for clearer communication of student placement criteria and growth expectations. Parents raised questions about tracking consistency across schools and proposed creating a shared spreadsheet to compare program implementations across different schools and clusters.