The University of Chicago's Everyday Math is the cornerstone of our richly varied and thoughtfully researched math curriculum from grade one through four. We supplement it with other materials, tried and true, to ensure our students learn not just how to memorize facts and algorithms, but to think and understand numbers, mathematical processes, and how to apply in practical terms what they learn in class.
The data clearly shows that what we're doing is working. ERB scores for the past four years have shown that our students score higher, relatively-speaking, in quantitative analysis and mathematics than other subtests. The ERB is an excellent benchmark for us as a school because it allows us to compare our students against the best schools in the country, and by doing so, I am proud to say that our kids are performing well.
What a fitting bookend it is that we are preparing to open our new, soon-to-be LEED certified math building. The W.R. Johnston building is set to be populated with students beginning this coming Monday. It features many 'green' components, including geothermal heat and air (through 3.2 miles of heat exchange coils submerged in our lake), recycled materials, improved acoustics, and a level of daylighting that far exceeds other spaces on campus.
Research clearly shows academic progress in LEED certified buildings exceeds other, traditionally constructed environments. Due to the stringent quality controls employed throughout the building process and in terms of creating a healthy environment for students and faculty, I'm confident that the strong foundation built in our lower division will continue preparing our students for success as they move around the lake.
Here are a couple of pieces demonstrating the benefits a 'green' environment can have on learning objectives:
Green Schools as High Performance Learning Environments
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