Math & YOU: Concepts & Connections

Name: Math & YOU: Concepts & Connections
Brand: Big Ideas Learning, LLC

by Big Ideas Learning, LLC

MathGrades 9–12

About This Curriculum

<cite index="25-1,25-2,25-3">Concepts & Connections, part of the Math & YOU series, is a research-based program that empowers teachers and builds student ownership through real-world STEM and data experiences and prepares learners to explore new possibilities and succeed in college and careers.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="24-5">Strong conceptual framework and connections to the big ideas of mathematics, helping students learn more deeply, develop greater conceptual understanding, and apply it to real-world scenarios.</cite>

Math & YOU: Concepts & Connections: Inquiry-Based High School Program

Math & YOU: Concepts & Connections is an inquiry-based high school mathematics curriculum designed to engage students through real-world STEM and data experiences. The program emphasizes student ownership of learning while preparing students for college and career success.

Best for

High school teachers and students who prefer inquiry-based learning approaches with real-world STEM connections, particularly in settings that value student-centered exploration over direct instruction

Evaluation Criteria

5 strengths · 1 concern · 3 insufficient evidence

Word ProblemsStrength

The curriculum appears to emphasize application through real-world contexts.

The program focuses on 'real-world STEM and data experiences' and EdReports confirmed appropriate balance including application components

Teacher TrainingStrength

The curriculum includes teacher supports as part of its design.

EdReports Gateway 3 rating of 'Meets Expectations' for Usability includes teacher supports, and the program claims to 'empower teachers'

Sequencing ApproachStrength

The curriculum demonstrates coherent sequencing aligned to grade-level standards.

EdReports Gateway 1 rating of 'Meets Expectations' for Focus & Coherence indicates proper alignment to grade-level math standards with appropriate focus on major work

Assessment DiagnosticStrength

Assessment components are included and meet standards expectations.

EdReports Gateway 3 'Meets Expectations' rating for Usability includes assessment as a evaluated component

Conceptual Procedural BalanceStrength

The curriculum appears to balance conceptual understanding with procedural skills and application.

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

Direct InstructionConcern

The inquiry-based approach may provide less direct instruction than research supports.

The curriculum is explicitly described as 'inquiry-based' and emphasizes 'student ownership,' which typically involves less teacher-led direct instruction

Worked ExamplesInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient information available to assess the use of worked examples.

No specific details about worked examples or step-by-step modeling provided in the available reviews

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

No specific information available about retrieval practice or spaced review.

The available reviews do not mention specific strategies for retrieval practice, cumulative review, or spaced repetition

Visual RepresentationsInsufficient Evidence

Limited information available about visual models and manipulatives.

The curriculum emphasizes real-world STEM and data experiences, suggesting some visual components, but specific details about visual representations are not provided

Sources: edreports.org