Norman Public Elementary Schools Build Algebraic Thinking With Everyday Mathematics

The case study examines the impact of the Everyday Mathematics program on students in grades K–5 in the Norman Public School District, located in Norman, Oklahoma, a suburban public school district serving 16,000 students across K–12. The district includes 17 elementary schools with a total enrollment of 8,750 students. Everyday Mathematics uses a spiral curriculum to reinforce math concepts through distributed practice over time. The program aims to build foundational math skills for long-term mastery and readiness for advanced courses like Algebra I.

Outcomes were measured using the Oklahoma School Testing Program, where students in grades 3–5 scored an average of 6% higher in math proficiency compared to other districts in the state. Additionally, after a decade of using Everyday Mathematics, Norman’s Algebra I students scored 10% higher than their peers statewide. The program’s materials include offline and online tools, allowing teachers to track student progress and adjust instruction as needed. Everyday Mathematics has also fostered community engagement, with students discussing math concepts outside the classroom.