Developing Mathematicians!
Every student will see themselves as mathematicians who collaborate and explain
their thinking through hands-on problem-solving.
“If all students achieve Algebra 1 rigor in their freshman year, this opens the door for higher-level math courses in their sophomore, junior, and senior years,” shared Director of Elementary Education Rene Knapp. But how do we ensure 8th-grade students are prepared to take this course when they arrive at their new campus?
Intentional Expectations in Learning Standards
As part of the Academic Achievement & Instructional Quality system, we have built a systemic structure to ensure the math standards of each year build on the last. Teachers utilize this structure to create a clear path forward for students to progress from one grade level to the next.
Strong K-6 Foundations
At every school, teachers engage students in relevant, real-world, and data-driven problems that spark curiosity, discussion, and reasoning. This instruction is guided by the “Math Workshop Model,” which moves beyond memorization and helps students develop critical thinking through hands-on, student-centered learning.
Third-grade teacher Carla Bustos-Ochoa added, “For me, the workshop model is about giving students the opportunity to share their learning, not just with me but with their classmates.” Like many of her colleagues, Ms. Bustos-Ochoa is seeing a new generation of thinkers take shape within Manteca Unified through innovative, collaborative teaching practices. As students progress through school, they carry these thinking skills with them – skills that apply not only in math, but across all subject areas.
231 8th Grade students completed Algebra 1 before High School!
8th Grade Students Take on Algebra 1!
At the junior high level, Manteca Unified provides accelerated opportunities for students who are ready to take on Algebra 1 before entering high school. During their 8th grade year, students can take the class at their future high school, allowing them to get a preview of the high school academic experience, including being taught by a high school teacher.
By offering this pathway, the District ensures that high-achieving students are challenged, supported, and motivated to continue
growing. These early opportunities not only build confidence but also open the door to higher-level math courses throughout high school.
Supporting Educators & Students Alike
Our math initiatives are guided by the recent shifts in the California Math Framework, which influences both how students learn and how educators teach. Manteca Unified understands that supporting teachers through these changes requires a strong, district-wide commitment to professional development, peer-to-peer collaboration, and ongoing refinement of instructional practices.
The Peer Learning Lab model is a key part of this support. It provides teachers with opportunities to observe classrooms in action and learn from their colleagues. Each month, six to eight Learning Labs are held across elementary schools, allowing teachers to see effective Workshop Model strategies in practice and bring those approaches back to their own classrooms.
New K-8 Curriculum Adoption
Supporting teachers in implementing the new math framework requires a curriculum that aligns with and reinforces the updated practices. During the 2025–26 school year, a team of 56 teachers from across the District came together to identify and pilot a curriculum that will best meet the needs of Manteca Unified students with the necessary rigor to meet standards. This adoption committee included teachers from every grade level from kindergarten through 8th grade, along with special education teachers, Core Content Specialists, and various District leaders.
The newly adopted curriculum, launching in 2026–27, emphasizes student-centered learning and inquiry, helping students develop critical thinking skills and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. A strong focus on building number sense across all grade levels lays the foundation for deep conceptual understanding and prepares students for success in Algebra 1.
Teachers are especially excited about the hands-on, collaborative nature of the curriculum, which encourages student thinking, discussion, and problem-solving. A new 9-12 math curriculum adoption will follow to ensure alignment from K-12. For both educators and students, this shift represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening mathematical understanding and engagement across the District.