Maryland's Largest School District
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MCPS is moving to a new instructional model focused on building a stronger mathematical foundation and developing confident mathematical thinkers. We will follow the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) guidance on math instruction, including acceleration. Beginning next year, MCPS will implement a cluster model for mathematics instruction. Cluster grouping is a well-established, research-supported instructional strategy designed to provide all learners with appropriate challenges while maintaining equitable access in heterogeneous classrooms. Unlike traditional tracking models, cluster grouping is flexible, data-responsive, and designed to allow students to move into advanced learning opportunities as readiness emerges. Classes will be organized to reduce the extremely broad range of instructional levels within a single classroom. This will make it more manageable for teachers to plan instruction effectively, differentiate learning experiences, and provide timely support and enrichment for students.
Students will be grouped in classes based on their learning needs. This will help teachers better support students, give extra enrichment and acceleration when needed, and provide support more effectively. These groups can change over time as students grow and learn.
This model will begin in 2026-2027 for Grade 4 students only, with additional grade levels the following year. If your child is in Grade 4, your school will be in touch soon to share more specific information. In addition, we will host community engagement opportunities as outlined below:
For more information please refer to the FAQ.
MSDE has released a Math Policy that reimagines how students become college and career ready. One part of the Math Policy requires the implementation of the Numeracy Development Framework. This identifies competencies for PreK-8 mathematics that students need to know each year. If you are interested in viewing the framework in advance, you can use this link for direct access. Come join the PreK-12 Math Team on Thursday, February 5, from 6:30-7:45 on Zoom.
Information for the webinar:
MSDE has released a Math Policy that reimagines how students become college and career ready. One part of the Math Policy requires the implementation of the Numeracy Development Framework. This identifies competencies for PreK-8 mathematics that students need to know each year.
All MCPS students become mathematical thinkers and achieve success with rigorous, on grade level, mathematics.
PreK-12 Mathematics centers its vision around knowing the math and knowing the students. This is accomplished when:
PreK-12 Mathematics ascribes to the equal importance of the mathematics, cognitive demand, equitable access, agency, ownership and identity, and formative assessment as essential dimensions of the effective mathematics classroom (Baldinger p.5).
The goal of PreK-12 Mathematics is to KNOW THE MATH & KNOW THE STUDENTS.
When adults deeply understand the standards they are expected to teach and the degree to which students are expected to know, they know the math. Knowing the math requires anti bias anti-racist instruction, strong instructional leadership, and effective math teaching and learning.
Know the Students: Adults deeply know the intersection assets students bring to the classroom and how to engage students with grade level standards in order to ensure equitable outcomes for all students. Knowing the students requires strategic emphasis on AntiBias/AntiRacist Education, Instructional Leadership, and Effective Mathematics Teaching and Learning.