Your Math Curriculum Checklist

Ten smart questions to ask when choosing your next curriculum 

We know reviewing new math programs takes time. Here’s a quick guide to help you discover what really matters. These questions come from the most successful schools and districts—the ones that have found math solutions that work long-term for both teachers and students. 

1. "Show me the receipts - what's your evidence?" Skip the marketing fluff and ask for third-party validation. Look for ESSA Tier 1 "Strong" evidence or gold-standard studies. Real research means real results. (Pro tip: The best solutions have RAND Corporation studies backing them up!)
   
   
2. "Can teachers actually see what's happening in real-time?" If a student struggles with quadratic equations in third period, can their teacher know before fourth period? Real-time monitoring tools aren't just nice-to-haves anymore. The strongest systems turn classroom observations into instant, actionable insights.
   
   
3. "Is this a textbook with digital sprinkled on top, or is it truly blended learning?" There's a big difference between PDF worksheets online and an integrated system where collaborative classroom work and adaptive digital practice actually talk to each other. Look for curriculum that combines collaboration, adaptive practice, and meaningful teacher feedback. Ask how the pieces work together.
   
   
4. "What happens on Day 2 when teachers have questions?" Great professional development doesn't end after initial training. Look for ongoing support, video libraries, and actual humans who understand both math and teaching. After all, you need more than customer service–you need a partnership.
   
   
5. "How does it handle the kids who are behind AND ahead?" Your classroom isn't homogeneous (shocking, right?). The best solutions use AI to create personalized pathways that adapt as students learn. 
   
   
6. "Are equity supports actually built in, or just bolted on?" Multilingual learners and diverse thinkers deserve better than afterthought accommodations. Ask how the curriculum embeds support from the ground up. True equity means that every student has access to rigorous, engaging math—without barriers.
   
   
7. "Will students actually want to use this?" Engagement isn't just about games - it's about meaningful collaboration, productive struggle, and seeing themselves as mathematicians. Watch for solutions that balance all three.
   
   
8. "Can we trust third-party reviews?" Check EdReports scores. Green lights across all gateways mean experts verified alignment, rigor, and usability. It's like Yelp for curriculum, but nerdier.
   
   
9. "Does it prepare students for next year, or just next Friday's test?" Look for coherent progressions from grade 6 through Algebra II. Math builds on itself - your curriculum should too. Short-term wins are great, but lasting learning is better.
   
   
10. "What do teachers who actually use it say?" Skip the polished testimonials. Ask for references from schools like yours. The best proof? Teachers who renew year after year because the program works.

The bottom line

Choosing a curriculum can be challenging, but asking the right questions makes it easier. The best solutions balance teacher support with student independence, provide actionable data without overwhelming you, and deliver measurable results you can actually see.

We've built our math solutions around these exact questions so you can feel confident you're choosing tools that are research-based, teacher-friendly, and proven to work.

Ready to explore our ClearMath^® Solutions? (Spoiler alert: we have answers to all 10 questions.)