The Curriculum Corner: Bridges

Welcome to the Curriculum Corner! Each week, this section of the Cathedral School Bulletin will highlight different areas and programs at the school. This week, we explore Cathedral School for Boys' new math program, Bridges.
Cathedral School teachers have been inspired and energized by the adoption of the school's new math program, Bridges. This comprehensive, inquiry-based program uses various methodologies - such as authentic problem solving, pattern work through the Number Corner, enrichment work through Problem Strings, and various other components (which you will learn about in a future Curriculum Corner) - to build efficient and fluent mathematicians.

The program’s initial success at Cathedral School for Boys is also a testament to our math teachers’ commitment, dedication, efforts, and research over two years, which led to the recommendation that the school adopt Bridges as the curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Below, is a snapshot of the achievements of a special committee between the fall of 2013 and the start of the 2015-16 academic year.
  • Reflected on and identified the strengths and gaps of Cathedral School for Boys' prior math curriculum.
  • Made the decision to formally adopt a new program that addressed/identified needs.
  • Researched quality stand-alone math programs and other math curricula though educational resources, professional development, and collaboration with independent and public school teachers in the Bay Area and beyond.
  • Piloted Bridges lessons and units in kindergarten through fifth grade during the 2014-15 school year.
  • Visited The Hamlin School to observe the program in action across grade levels, and to collaborate with the math specialist about their school’s success using the program.
  • Participated in summer training through both independent study with the curriculum and a day-long workshop by a master math teacher who has used the program extensively in all grades across a variety of settings, including at The Nueva School.
Lastly, here is what some Cathedral School faculty members have to say about Bridges:
  • “I have enjoyed using the varied and interesting approaches found in Bridges, such as the Number Corner and Problem Strings. The program and its activities are also linguistically and kinesthetically engaging, and promote meaningful discussions about math.” John Taylor, 4th Grade
  • “I have been impressed by how the program guides the boys to create algorithms through hands-on discovery, instead of learning them through memorization. The kids are making deeper conceptual connections using this program.” Judy Hilbrich Sheppard, 5th & 6th Grade Math, 6th Grade Homeroom
  • “I appreciate that Bridges is very student-centered, hands-on, and provides numerous opportunities for the boys to be directly engaged throughout entire lessons. The boys can constantly be heard saying 'I love doing math!' I never wonder who understands a concept because I am able to hear their strategies and/or see them demonstrate how they came up with a strategy (by showing me on one of our charts or writing it on their individual white boards). The paper and pencil assessments also provide valuable feedback as well." Margaret O'Brien, 2nd Grade
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Cathedral School for Boys

Located in San Francisco, California, Cathedral School for Boys is an independent elementary school for boys in Kindergarten – Grade 8. Our mission is to provide an excellent education through intellectual inquiry and rigor that is centered in the Episcopal tradition and is respectful of and welcoming to people of all religious traditions and beliefs.