Changes are Coming to the Grades 5-8 Learning Progressions!

Published: August 2, 2024

One of All Learners Network (ALN)’s 5 Key Components for improving student math learning is the use of a Rapid Cycle of Inquiry. ALN facilitators and staff routinely try new practices, revise tools, and adjust techniques. We believe that all of our resources are dynamic, meaning we continually reflect on their effectiveness and impact on teachers and students. We inform our reflections by keeping current with relevant research in the field of mathematics education and our experiences within the many school districts with which we work. The ALN facilitator team is currently reviewing the Grades 5-8 High Leverage Concept Learning Progressions through this lens.

Before we dive into the changes, let’s pause to just discuss what learning progressions are. In general, math learning progressions allow educators to see where mathematical concepts connect and build on one another throughout multiple grade levels. There are many incredible resources out there around math learning progressions!

Our HLC Learning Progressions identify developing stages along a continuum of concepts, models, and skills that lead toward student understanding and application of the All Learners Network High Leverage Concepts (HLCs). They do not attempt to include all of the concepts that students are introduced to and practice at individual grade levels. They help educators take larger mathematical concepts and break them down into progressive goals.

During the 2023-2024 school year, the ALN Facilitator Team revised the Grades PreK - 4 HLC Learning Progressions to include clear articulation of the mathematics that students should investigate and the most beneficial models and strategies with which to engage as they work toward the High Leverage Concepts (HLCs). 

It is our goal, during this 2024 - 2025 school year, that we give the same attention to the Grades 5 - 8 HLC Learning Progressions. During this Cycle of Inquiry, we will be paying close attention to how we can:

• Clarify language where it might be confusing.
• Provide more detail for critical strategies.
• Share the most beneficial models at each grade level that we expect students to explore and engage with as they build conceptual understanding of the grade level HLC. 
• Make sure the images we choose illuminate the continuity and consistency between Grades 5-8 and PreK- Grade 4 Learning Progressions.
• Provide teachers with an improved set of documents that can help them design instructional goals for whole and small groups of students.

The level of focus, deep conversations, and attention to detail around these progressions is no small feat. It will require time to do these updates justice. We have decided to do a slow rollout throughout the school year so that the updated versions of these documents are of the highest quality we expect for all of our ALN resources.

It is our hope that the new version of the Grade 5 Progression will be published by November 1, 2024. Grade 6 and Grade 7 Proportional Reasoning sections will follow in early 2025. Grade 7 Expressions and Equations updates will be next in line for revision. Both of the Grade 8 sections (Expressions & Equations and Linear Relationships) updates will be revised by the end of June 2025.

We will not rush the cycle of inquiry and revision process. Our goal is to provide teachers with the best tools and resources possible to support their instructional decisions. We are looking forward to sharing our updated versions with you and always welcome your feedback.

Click here for the printable version.

What Now?

1. Explore the HLC Learning Progressions here.

2. Learn more about how we utilize a Rapid Cycle of Inquiry in our work by checking out this blog post.

All Learners Network is committed to a new type of math instruction. We focus on supporting pedagogy so that all students can access quality math instruction. We do this through our online platform, free resources, events, and embedded professional development. Learn more about how we work with schools and districts here.