CurriculumResearcher

Fishtank Math

by Fishtank Learning

MathGrades 3–8

Fishtank Math: Standards-Aligned Curriculum with Strong Content Focus

Fishtank Math is a free, open-source mathematics curriculum from Fishtank Learning covering grades 3-8. The curriculum demonstrates strong alignment to grade-level standards and maintains focus on major mathematical work, though it has some limitations in teacher support materials.

Best for

Schools seeking a free, standards-aligned math curriculum for grades 3-8 with strong content focus, particularly those with experienced teachers who can supplement limited teacher support materials

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 2 concerns · 4 insufficient evidence

Word ProblemsStrength

The curriculum includes application components as part of its rigor balance.

EdReports Gateway 2 'Meets Expectations' rating indicates the curriculum appropriately incorporates application alongside conceptual understanding and procedural skills

Sequencing ApproachStrength

The curriculum demonstrates strong focus and coherence in its sequencing approach.

EdReports Gateway 1 rating of 'Meets Expectations' for Focus & Coherence indicates the curriculum maintains appropriate focus on grade-level standards and major work of each grade

Conceptual Procedural BalanceStrength

The curriculum achieves an appropriate balance between conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and application.

EdReports rated Gateway 2 (Rigor & Mathematical Practices) as 'Meets Expectations,' indicating the curriculum successfully balances all three components of mathematical rigor

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum has notable limitations in teacher support and professional development materials.

EdReports Gateway 3 (Usability) received only 'Partially Meets Expectations,' suggesting gaps in teacher supports and guidance

Assessment DiagnosticConcern

The curriculum shows some limitations in assessment design and implementation.

The 'Partially Meets Expectations' rating for Gateway 3 Usability indicates potential gaps in assessment systems and diagnostic tools

Worked ExamplesInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to assess the use of worked examples in instruction.

The EdReports review does not provide specific details about instructional methods or worked examples

Direct InstructionInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to assess support for direct, explicit instruction.

The EdReports review focuses on content alignment rather than specific instructional approaches or lesson structures

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to assess incorporation of retrieval practice and spaced review.

The EdReports review does not address cumulative review practices or retrieval strategies

Visual RepresentationsInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence available to assess the use of visual models and manipulatives.

The EdReports review does not provide specific information about visual representations or concrete-representational-abstract progressions

Sources: edreports.org

Review Sources

edreports

EdReports Panel

Gateway 1 Alignment:Meets Expectations
Gateway 2 Alignment:Meets Expectations
Gateway 3 Alignment:Partially Meets Expectations
Read full review →
Key Facts
GradesGrades 3–8
SubjectMath
PedagogyNot specified
Faith-BasedNo
FormatDigital + Physical

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Data sources: edreports