SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – At South Tahoe Middle School and South Tahoe High School, a remarkable partnership is unfolding, one that is setting a new standard for math education in the community. In its second year of a five-year commitment to improving math instruction and learning, this collaboration between middle and high school math teachers is showing impressive results in terms of vertical collaboration and articulation.
The collaboration formed under the leadership of Principal Cindy Martínez at South Tahoe Middle School and Principal Justin Zunino at South Tahoe High School, along with curriculum leaders and teachers, (Woody Peterson, Judson Andolina, Lynn Norling, Lauren Briggs with STHS and Alicia Fair, CiCi Cross, Tricia Suglian, Joanna Capner with STMS). This collaboration has led to instructional changes in the way math is taught and learned. The two schools are working towards creating a seamless connection between their math programs, ensuring that students are building a strong foundation that will carry them successfully through to graduation.
One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is the shared focus on trying new strategies in instruction, grading, and assessment. Teachers have embraced new ways of engaging students, giving them a deeper understanding of math concepts while keeping them motivated to learn. Common formative assessments have become a cornerstone of the effort, allowing educators to monitor student progress in real time and adjust their teaching strategies as needed. The goal is not just to teach math, but to ensure that every student is truly grasping the material and achieving success.
