When it comes to HMH math solutions, combining Waggle with Into Math really does multiply the outcome. A recent study showed that students in classrooms using the two connected solutions with fidelity experienced significantly greater math gains compared to those in which teachers did not implement the same level of fidelity.
It’s a result we see time and time again across all our efficacy research. We hear administrators frequently asking how to make the most out of their programs. Mastering the ins and outs of the curriculum itself is no doubt a big part, but so is utilizing the program’s many integrations. When the curriculum is Into Math at least, it can be part of a much larger system that includes benchmarking assessments, professional learning, and personalized supplemental practice.
Waggle is our digital program that can supplement Into Math core lessons with relevant practice that serves as personalized differentiated instruction. In this article, we take a close look at the success that a California district experienced as a result of consistently using the Into Math and Waggle connected solution.
Selecting a math curriculum
Nestled in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, the city of Tulare was ready for a new core math curriculum in the 2023–2024 school year. The school district has a large multilingual learner population, and administrators knew that comprehensive multilingual supports were a must. They also understood just how much every teacher was responsible for. “We really needed a good resource that saved teachers time,” said district math curriculum specialist Ginger Miller.
The district also wanted a program that offered consistent structure, instructional guidance for both new and veteran teachers, and support for students through centers and differentiation. All this led them to Into Math—a program that Tulare found especially appealing given its emphasis on vocabulary, along with its consistent integration of prior mathematical knowledge into tasks.
One year of use was enough for Tulare to know that Into Math was working. “We saw great student growth in just one year,” said Kim Schoneau, another one of the district’s math curriculum specialists. She credits Into Math’s structured lesson design with this success. “Students love the regular I Can statements. Those have built confidence in their math abilities and helped them recognize what they can do. It's supported a more positive math mindset.”
Beyond the curriculum itself, having professional instructional coaching also played a role in Tulare’s success. That’s why HMH worked with the district to develop a solid instructional rhythm that prioritized personalized instruction. “[That support made it] easier for teachers to question students and understand the full extent of their learning. And students feel better collaborating and discussing strategies,” Miller said.
Progressing at a higher rate
When quality instruction meets quality practice, students can go from having a basic understanding of an idea to being able to use and apply it. At Tulare, using Waggle alongside Into Math maximized the program’s impact. “Having curriculum-aligned targeted practice has saved teachers time and promoted deeper questioning,” Miller explained.
Practice apps have come a long way, with student engagement top of mind. Ours, Waggle, is built with principles of gamification in the classroom in mind. The goal isn’t to hide the fact that kids are learning, but rather to make learning fun, all in pursuit of greater student outcomes. “Kids love earning tokens [on Waggle] to play games, especially if they’re playing together in class,” Miller said. “Students who consistently used Waggle progressed at a higher rate than those who didn’t.”
Results that speak for themselves
In the end, Tulare’s growth data speaks for itself. After just one year of using Into Math and Waggle, the percentage of students performing at and above level rose from 22% to 53%, and students requiring significant intervention decreased from 78% to 47%.
With a successful first year under their belts, both Schoneau and Miller are confident in the solutions they use and that Tulare will experience continued growth. Programs like Into Math and Waggle are making a difference, but of course the success of any program comes down to the people who use it. “Our ultimate goal is to be the best support we can be for our teachers and students,” Schoneau said. “The team at HMH supports us to make that happen.”
Read the customer success story below.
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Discover how Into Math for Grades K–8, along with the Spanish version ¡Arriba las Matemáticas!, raise student achievement and build productive perseverance.
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