Math Achievement at Indiana Middle Schools

We caught up with administrators, teachers, and students at Penn-Harris-Madison (PHM) School Corporation in St. Joseph's County, Indiana, who have had incredible successes with our Middle School Math Solution. A new case study highlights the achievements that teachers and students have experienced at the three middle schools in the district.

In 2020, PHM began implementing our Middle School Math Solution. Since then, teachers and administrators across the district have seen student performance, confidence, and critical thinking soar. 

Math Is Part of the Discussion

Unique to Carnegie Learning’s math solution is the importance of mathematical discussions. With “Questions to Support Discourse” built into every lesson, students are motivated to talk about mathematical concepts, rather than just solve equations.

Dr. Heather Short, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, appreciates the program's emphasis on collaborative learning, which builds students' confidence and leadership skills alongside mathematical reasoning skills. 

"The program lends itself to a lot of collaborative learning," says Dr. Short. "It is incredibly exciting to go into math classrooms in our middle schools."

"A Different Approach to Math"

Jean Milfort, Principal of Grissom Middle School, also appreciates how our Middle School Math Solution stands apart from other solutions.

He shares, "We've been excited because we feel like we knew Carnegie Learning was a different approach to math. We needed a rigorous, engaging curriculum that really could be aligned."

Centering Students Empowers Them

Gianna Keim, a sixth-grade math teacher, talks about how moving away from a top-down model of instruction has increased her students' enthusiasm for math.

“When my students walk through my door, they’re happy because they know they’re going to learn something new, they’re going to uncover a new secret. The biggest change I’ve seen in my students since partnering with Carnegie Learning is a positive attitude," states Mrs. Keim.

"One of the Best"

Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, Principal of Schmucker Middle School, speaks highly of our professional learning and support services. “I’ve gone through lots of adoptions of new curricula, and Carnegie Learning is one of the best when it comes to offering support and working with people.”

We’re beyond thrilled that our Middle School Math Solution is helping PHM students continue excelling as math learners and leaders. We look forward to seeing this partnership thrive in years to come, especially as PHM schools have adjusted back to full-time in-person learning.