The math department is using a new curriculum this year that’s collaborative, meaning, students no longer work alone, but now work together in groups of two to four. The new curriculum called CPM educational program, according to their website, is a research-based system that emphasizes collaborative learning. The classes using this program are Integrated Algebra 1, Integrated Algebra 2 and Algebra 2, and depending on the teacher, steer away from administering individual tests, quizzes and assignments.

“Math is traditionally what you can do, not what your neighbor can do, and now we’re going to compare what you can do to your neighbor,” freshman math teacher, Nicholas Walters said. “But research has shown that this curriculum yields better results with the districts who have adopted it and used it for over five years,” 

Heather Ogle, the head of the math department at Shawnee Mission Northwest said the change in curriculum was a directive from the district and she likes it. She believes it’s very beneficial for students. 

“The students who are engaging well with the material collaboratively are able to transfer their learning and do things independently,” Heather Ogle said.