10/08/2025
💬Let’s talk about Curriculum
During this campaign I’ve heard questions about how curriculum decisions are made in Hopkins Schools. So, let’s talk about it.
➕Math
This year, Hopkins is rolling out Imagine IM (a version of Illustrative Math) as our new K–5 math curriculum. It was selected by a team of 23 educators from across all schools, it is a rigorous curriculum that shown strong results in districts with similar demographics to ours.
🔍How was it Selected?
The Math review ran during the 23/25 - 24/25 school years. Imagine IM was presented multiple times at School Board meetings and workshops. Our curriculum team provided detailed reports and answered every question asked.
The result? A well-researched, evidence-based plan.
K-5 Math Materials Approval Request: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tjAmdQ9hBo3WDr9SqlHOuD0AR1k395FMKX2zooCz4ZU/edit?tab=t.0 =h.fwexw9chztb
✅Does it work?
Yes, Imagine IM has a proven track record with districts across the country. Often seeing double digit growth in proficiency.
❓Does it ALWAYS work?
Not always, some district had complaints about prep time for teachers and the rigorous pace. To help mitigate, our teachers are provided additional lesson plan materials and pacing guides. Solutions that helped other districts with success. Rolling out a consistent program across the schools allows teachers and staff to work together with more voices and support, all working toward the same goal.
💲What does it cost?
Implementation costs just over $600,000, or about $37/student per year over the 5-year contract. The district will additionally provide a partial learning coach and funding for teacher translation to Mandarin and staff time for observation, review, etc.
👩🏾✈️Was this Piloted?
Yes, a free version of Illustrative Math was Piloted at Alice Smith last year. Feedback helped influence the decision to purchase additional support materials and pacing guides provided by Imagine Learning. Administration and staff did not want to wait to roll this program out. They are committed to consistent rollout across all elementary schools and elevating the rigor of math system wide.
📐How do we know it is working?
The goal for the 2025–26 school year is a 5% increase in math and reading proficiency, measured by FastBridge tests administered three times a year. More on the Superintendent goals for 25-26 here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJGeeHRqTv4kvd4ITsIH8enXNMoUQzA6fq_ScWd-iX8/edit?tab=t.0
🕐Recent Curriculum Roll Outs
Last year, Hopkins completed LETRS training for our reading curriculum, aligned with the MN Read Act. The impact?
• 5 out of 7 elementary schools saw gains in reading proficiency.
• XinXing Academy led with an 11-point increase.
• Two schools saw slight decreases, but slowed a multi-year downward trend. We’ll need to keep a close eye on them this year
🏋Change is Hard
Rolling out a new curriculum is never easy, but our educators are up for the challenge. When you talk to your child’s teacher, ask how you can support them and your student. Together, we’re building a stronger Hopkins Schools.
