Illustrative Math has plenty of detractors. I've grown to appreciate it.
Briefly

Teaching math at New Directions Secondary School in the Bronx has been rewarding, especially witnessing students experience breakthroughs in understanding. Many students arrive feeling discouraged, but with time, they often celebrate their newfound comprehension. The school has implemented the NYC Solves curriculum, which focuses on real-world applications and collaborative discussions. Most students face unique challenges, including language barriers and disabilities, complicating the task of differentiating instruction. There are ongoing critiques about the curriculum's alignment with standardized testing and its pacing.
Witnessing students who once struggled feel the joy of understanding math is the most rewarding part of teaching. The moment they grasp a concept is priceless.
The NYC Solves curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving, allowing students to engage in meaningful math discussions while accommodating diverse learning needs.
Teaching students who are learning English or have disabilities presents unique challenges. Differentiating instruction is essential to address their vastly different experiences and educational backgrounds.
The critiques of the Illustrative Math curriculum focus on the pace at which material is covered, with some arguing it's misaligned with the Algebra I Regents exam.
Read at Chalkbeat
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