The following is a letter to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District from Superintendent Antonio Shelton concerning a new math curriculum recently approved for SMMUSD.
At the April 23 SMMUSD Board of Education Meeting, the Department of Educational Services, math teachers, and students presented about recommended Math curriculum to be used beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
The recommendation was derived after an extensive and thoughtful pilot process led by our teachers and instructional leadership. A Math Curriculum Pilot Committee of teacher representatives from every school site, all grade levels, and math courses came together to review potential options.
California Department of Education evaluation tools were utilized to assess materials, and to ensure alignment with the updated 2023 California Mathematics Framework.
The way math is taught is being updated to better support student understanding, but the learning standards, what students are expected to know and do, are staying the same. In addition, students will continue to have opportunities for advanced coursework and enrichment to support and extend their learning.
All curricula considered during the pilot process were approved by the California State Board of Education, and were evaluated against key criteria including (1) content alignment with standards and the framework, (2) program organization, (3) access and equity and (4) instructional planning and teacher support. Then, over the course of several months, teachers tried out the curriculum with their classes to experience the materials firsthand and to gather student feedback. The committee provided feedback throughout the pilot, and later met as a team to discuss and come to a majority consensus on which program to recommend.
The recommended programs for adoption are as follows:
- Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II – Envision, Savvas, 2026
- K-8 – Envision, Savvas, 2026
- Pre-Calculus – Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 8E, Cengage 2023
- AP Calculus – Calculus for AP: A Complete Course, 1E, Cengage 2019
- AP Statistics – Math Medic AP Statistics, Math Medic, 2026
Community members are welcome to view the curriculum at the District Office, and to provide
feedback via the Let’s Talk button on the District website. The Board will vote on the adoption at the
May 7 Board of Education meeting.
Following the adoption, all teachers will receive professional development in the new curriculum, with ongoing coaching and support. Implementation of the new curriculum is expected to begin in the fall of 2026. - Sincerely,
Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School Distric
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