NTC developed coaching for math leads, PLC structures, and curriculum resources to support CMS’s adoption of a new middle school math curriculum. This included materials to build content knowledge, facilitate high-performing PLCs, practice unpacking units, and guidance for principals and new teachers aligned with the district’s vision for math success.

To address low Algebra 1 pass rates, particularly for those students in traditional math pathways, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) mandated the district-wide adoption of the Illustrative Mathematics middle school curriculum. This shift marked a significant departure from previous practices, where schools had autonomy in curriculum selection. Adopting a new curriculum is a complex process. NTC worked with the district to develop a flexible implementation plan that included:

• Curriculum-specific professional learning for coaches with ongoing reflection and goal setting to personalize support opportunities
• Resources and consultation to guide instruction and student-centered PLCs
• Unit-based materials to fill content knowledge gaps
• Instructional leadership guides for principals
• Onboarding for teachers coming new to the district

The goal was to drive deep understanding of the curriculum with ongoing professional learning rooted in school learning communities. Within CMS, active PLCs supporting curriculum implementation improved significantly, moving from “developing” to “effective” on an NTC developed tool.