Core Connections (Grades 6-8)

The instructional materials reviewed for Grades 6-8 vary in alignment scoring. Grade 8 instructional materials meet expectations for alignment, while Grade 6 and 7 materials partially meet expectations for alignment. Rigor and Mathematical Practices (MPs) are very strong for all grade levels in this series. The materials provide an excellent, seamless balance of conceptual understanding, procedural development, and application. Grades 6 and 7 materials both lack in some indicators, specifically not attending to focus by spending a majority of instructional time on major work of the grade-level standards. Additionally, Grade 8 materials meet expectations for instructional supports and usability indicators. The materials are found to strongly support student learning and engagement, differentiated instruction, and enrich instruction through technology.