Big Ideas Math

Name: Big Ideas Math
Brand: Big Ideas Learning, LLC

by Big Ideas Learning, LLC

MathGrades 6–8

About This Curriculum

Big Ideas Math is a research-backed, coherent mathematics curriculum for middle school students (grades 6-8) that emphasizes deep conceptual understanding, real-world relevance, and problem-solving confidence through a balance of print and digital resources.

What makes it unique: Seamless K-8 math pedagogy with consistent authorship team; designed around NCTM focal points and grounded in visible learning research; integrates hands-on activities, interactive explorations, and real-life modeling tasks.

Big Ideas Math: Middle School Curriculum with Mixed Alignment Results

Big Ideas Math is a research-backed mathematics curriculum for grades 6-8 that combines print and digital resources to emphasize conceptual understanding and real-world problem-solving. The curriculum aims to build student confidence through a mastery-based approach with integrated technology components.

Best for

Middle school teachers seeking a mastery-based math curriculum with digital integration, though may require supplementation to address alignment and coherence concerns

Evaluation Criteria

1 concern · 2 neutral · 6 insufficient evidence

Sequencing ApproachConcern

The curriculum uses a mastery-based sequencing approach, though coherence and focus present challenges.

EdReports rated Gateway 1 (Focus & Coherence) as 'Does Not Meet Expectations,' suggesting issues with grade-level alignment and focus on major mathematical work despite the mastery-based design

Word ProblemsNeutral

The curriculum emphasizes real-world relevance and problem-solving, though systematic word problem instruction effectiveness is unclear.

Curriculum description highlights 'real-world relevance and problem-solving confidence,' but EdReports' partial rating on application suggests mixed success

Conceptual Procedural BalanceNeutral

The curriculum partially achieves balance between conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and application according to EdReports evaluation.

EdReports rated Gateway 2 (Rigor & Mathematical Practices) as 'Partially Meets Expectations,' indicating some but incomplete success in balancing these three components

Worked ExamplesInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to assess the curriculum's use of worked examples and cognitive load reduction strategies.

No specific information provided about worked examples or step-by-step modeling in the available reviews

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available about teacher training materials or professional development support.

No information provided about teacher's edition content, professional development, or pedagogical guidance materials

Direct InstructionInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to assess how well the curriculum supports explicit, teacher-led instruction.

No information provided about lesson structure, teacher guidance, or explicit instruction components

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to determine if the curriculum incorporates retrieval practice and spaced review.

No details provided about cumulative review, practice tests, or spaced repetition features

Assessment DiagnosticInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to assess diagnostic and formative assessment features.

No specific information provided about assessment tools, diagnostic capabilities, or progress monitoring features

Visual RepresentationsInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to evaluate the curriculum's use of visual models and manipulatives.

No specific details provided about visual representations, concrete-representational-abstract progression, or manipulative use

Sources: edreports.org

Review Sources

edreports

EdReports Panel

Gateway 1 Alignment:Does Not Meet Expectations

Gateway 2 Alignment:Partially Meets Expectations

Read full review →

Key Facts

GradesGrades 6–8

SubjectMath

PedagogyMastery Based

Faith-BasedNo

FormatDigital + Physical

Visit Publisher Website →

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

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Data sources: edreports