Coherent Math and Newton Public Schools Partner on Custom Math 2 and 3 Programs
“We didn’t know this was possible. How can we do this in Newton?”
That was the question a group of Newton Public Schools (NPS) teachers asked after attending a session at a National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) conference earlier this year where they learned about Coherent Math’s co-design curriculum model. The teachers were not strangers to curriculum design: they had already developed materials themselves to better serve their multilingual learners. They were in the middle of a HS math adoption process and saw the potential of doing something transformative.
Last month, that possibility became a districtwide effort when Newton educators and Coherent Math came together to kick off a partnership to co-design and co-create custom Math 2 and Math 3 curricula built specifically for Newton students and teachers.
The goal is to build on what’s already working, and leverage the expertise of teachers and math leaders in the district to create something uniquely tailored to the district’s strengths and students’ diverse learning needs.
The new programs will strengthen coherence across classrooms and build continuity across schools while preserving and spreading practices that are already working for students. “This is an amazing opportunity to take the fantastic work that high school teachers have been doing for years and build it into a coherent course structure,” said Barbara Beske, founder of Coherent Math.
How Co-Design Will Look in Newton
Last month, every high school math educator and leader came together to share their vision for mathematics in Newton and to give feedback on the pieces that will carry it: the design principles for the new curriculum, the scope and sequence, and the lesson design model, DIGS (Daily Instructional Guidance and Supports). They had the opportunity to delve deeply into NPS’s vision statement, explore how that vision aligns with classroom realities, and connect the role of instructional materials to vision-aligned instruction.
“Teachers were collaborating openly, listening to one another, and beginning to see what is possible when we approach this work together,” said Dr. Gina McCarthy, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. “We are so excited for the work ahead and look forward to continuing this journey.”
In October 2026, curriculum development begins in earnest. Coherent Math curriculum writers will work alongside Newton educators to build the new Math 2 and Math 3 programs, lesson by lesson. Together, they’ll draw from the best of what’s already available and create what’s missing: adapting high-quality open-source materials to better reflect Newton’s students and local context, developing new lessons from scratch, and identifying teacher-designed lessons already working in Newton classrooms that can become part of the new programs. NPS is committed to increasing facilitated student discourse, critical thinking, and collaboration opportunities, and those elements will be included from day one.
In real-time, vetting will take place every two-three weeks as units are completed. A benefit of co-design is that educators spot curriculum-flaws before they’re asked to use the materials. Too much content to realistically fit in a 65-minute block? Teachers will flag it. Instructions that don’t make sense? Those can be fixed, with a teacher holding the pen.
In September 2027, the programs will roll out across the district. Over time, the district may find things they want to alter or adjust. The district owns the curriculum and can make adjustments at any time–no need to wait for another edition or request permission from a publisher.
Built for How Teachers Actually Teach
“Books can feel like scripts, even if the messaging says otherwise,” said Anna Schattauer Paillé, Coherent Math’s Director of Strategy. But every teacher adapts their curriculum, and Newton’s new programs are being designed with that reality in mind.
Rather than asking teachers to follow a textbook page by page, the DIGS model will give educators access to high-quality daily instruction while creating natural opportunities to incorporate activities and approaches that work for their students. “The DIGS is very comprehensive and looks like it can support a variety of levels and learners,” said Alvin Chen, a Newton South High School math teacher.
That flexibility doesn’t mean sacrificing consistency. Students across Newton will encounter common assessments—including daily exit tickets, end-of-unit assessments, and performance tasks—helping educators understand what students are learning while maintaining flexibility in how they get there.
How Educators Are Feeling
After the kick-off summit, teachers are feeling excited about the path ahead. “I liked how thoughtful the Coherent Math team has been in getting the ideas of all the participants,” said Smitha Sahadevan, a Newton North High School math teacher. “That made me feel the curriculum we are going to build now will reflect exactly what we have envisioned.”
Others expressed relief and excitement about the embedded support for multilingual learners, the usability of the DIGS structure, and the facets of the lessons that reflected what teachers valued in their classrooms, like time for collaboration and discussion.
One of the biggest overarching themes though, was excitement about doing something innovative, new, and unique to Newton’s students. “I am hoping that we can build a curriculum that is truly different from the traditional teacher-centered math classroom.” said Madeline Jacob, a Newton North High School math teacher.
In March, a group of Newton teachers walked out of a conference session asking, “How can we do this in Newton?” Now, educators across the district are beginning to answer that question together—building a Math 2 and Math 3 curriculum designed not just for Newton teachers, but with them.
About Newton Public Schools: Newton Public Schools is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, social‑emotional growth, and a strong sense of community. Serving more than 11,000 students across 22 schools, including 24 special education programs, a Career/Vocational Technical High School, and a vibrant range of student clubs, international exchanges, and athletic opportunities. NPS is a district of choice for families, recognized for its inclusive practices and innovative programs that prepare students to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world.
About Coherent Math: Coherent Math provides support for districts and networks that are looking for personalized mathematics materials and coaching that meet the specific needs of their community. Our focus is on increasing student achievement, agency, and sense of belonging in mathematics by developing curriculum, resources, and professional learning opportunities that respond to current research and best practices.
Have questions about this project or how something similar could happen in your district? Reach out to Anna Schattauer Paillé, Director of Strategy, Coherent Math (anna@coherentmath.com).