Fishtank Math AGA

Name: Fishtank Math AGA
Brand: Fishtank Learning

by Fishtank Learning

MathGrades 9–12

About This Curriculum

<cite index="16-2">Fishtank Learning provides rigorous, standards-aligned units in math, designed by teachers for real classrooms</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="11-1">High-quality K–12 math curriculum that is free</cite>; <cite index="12-5">curriculum shifts power away from teachers being the possessors of knowledge to students being the constructors of it</cite>

Fishtank Math AGA: Standards-Aligned Inquiry-Based High School Math

Fishtank Math AGA is a free, standards-aligned mathematics curriculum for grades 9-12 that emphasizes inquiry-based learning and real-world applications. The curriculum integrates rigorous academic content with social justice themes and critical thinking development.

Best for

High school teachers comfortable with inquiry-based approaches who can provide additional scaffolding and direct instruction as needed, particularly those seeking to integrate social justice themes

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 3 concerns · 3 insufficient evidence

Word ProblemsStrength

The curriculum appears strong in real-world application and problem-solving contexts.

Modulo review specifically highlights 'real-world applications' and emphasis on 'problem-solving skills' and 'critical thinking'

Sequencing ApproachStrength

The curriculum demonstrates strong focus and coherence in grade-level alignment and sequencing of mathematical topics.

EdReports Gateway 1 (Focus & Coherence) rating of 'Meets Expectations' indicates proper alignment to standards and focus on major work of each grade

Conceptual Procedural BalanceStrength

The curriculum meets expectations for balancing conceptual understanding, procedural skill, and application according to EdReports Gateway 2 assessment.

EdReports rated Gateway 2 (Rigor & Mathematical Practices) as 'Meets Expectations,' indicating appropriate balance of conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and application

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum has significant weaknesses in teacher support materials and professional development resources.

EdReports Gateway 3 (Usability) rating of 'Does Not Meet Expectations' indicates inadequate teacher supports, and Modulo notes that 'extensive range of materials can initially overwhelm new users'

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum appears to emphasize inquiry-based learning over direct instruction, which may not align with explicit instruction research.

Described as 'inquiry-based' pedagogy with emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving rather than teacher-led explicit instruction

Assessment DiagnosticConcern

Teacher support deficiencies likely extend to assessment and diagnostic tools based on usability concerns.

EdReports Gateway 3 failure includes assessment components, suggesting weaknesses in diagnostic and formative assessment tools

Worked ExamplesInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence to assess the curriculum's use of worked examples and cognitive load reduction strategies.

Reviews do not specifically mention worked examples or step-by-step modeling approaches

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

No evidence found regarding systematic retrieval practice or spaced review components in the curriculum.

Reviews do not mention cumulative review, retrieval practice, or spaced repetition strategies

Visual RepresentationsInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence suggests the curriculum may incorporate visual elements, but specific use of mathematical representations is unclear.

The inquiry-based approach and real-world applications suggest some visual elements, but reviews lack specific details about mathematical models or manipulatives

Sources: edreports.org, modulo.app