HFCA's New Math Alignment Begins with the End in Mind

Since its inception, Holy Family Catholic Academy (Inverness) has been a recognized leader in preparing its students for their future--a future that is increasingly focused on critical thinking, problem solving and STEM literacy.

"Our students' future is at the heart of everything we do at HFCA. We are committed to implementing a differentiated and challenging curriculum that prepares all students to succeed in high school, college and beyond," explains Principal Kate O'Brien. HFCA's two-time national award for innovation in curriculum and instruction and candidacy* in the International Baccalaureate World School Primary Years Programme give witness to this commitment and their culture of continuous improvement.

With enrollment growing to over 500 students, HFCA identified the need for a more comprehensive approach to math and recently named Mrs. Meredith Canali as Math Department Chair and Curriculum Specialist. Formerly a college math instructor, Canali has a unique perspective of what it takes to prepare students for high school and college.

Explains Canali, "HFCA has an amazing team of math instructors. Together we will be using a wider lens to look at our math curriculum and focus on a top-down alignment." Studies clearly show that math concepts and skills developed in the elementary grades are critical building blocks for higher level courses. States Principal O'Brien, "We are uniquely positioned to affect changes in our elementary and intermediate grades that will align and strengthen our middle school curriculum which supports our goal of having the best prepared high school students."

In her new role, Canali will collaborate with math departments at the public and Catholic high schools attended by HFCA graduates including Fremd, Barrington, St. Ignatius College Prep, St. Viator and Carmel. A recent District 211 meeting highlighted changes that high schools are making as they anticipate the move to the SAT. "Learning that the SAT focuses over half of their math exam on Algebra skills, limits calculator use, and requires fluency in reading information text, were key factors in implementing changes to our intermediate and middle school curriculum," stated Mrs. Canali.

These changes will strengthen foundational skills in the intermediate grades, expose 5th graders to more challenging math previously taught in 6th grade, and position middle school students to complete Algebra 1 and Advanced Algebra before high school. HFCA will also offer a new math elective, Honors Geometry using the same curriculum, textbook and exams as Fremd High School.

BeiFei Yu, parent of middle school students Abby and Ashlee Sterling, appreciates HFCA's math focus. "As STEM professionals, my husband and I are delighted with HFCA's approach to math education. With two years of Algebra and one year of Honors Geometry in middle school, our daughters will have a solid foundation to pursue more advanced math classes in high school." Exactly the end result that HFCA had in mind.

*Candidacy is no guarantee of authorization.