BeCALM is a cognitively rigorous, CCRSAE-aligned curriculum that is designed to center the thinking of beginning math learners (GLE 2-4) as they build a conceptual foundation of basic mathematics.

Adults who are beginning math learners can sometimes find themselves left behind by high school equivalency (HSE) curricula or stuck trying to memorize their way through calculations they don’t understand. BeCALM (Beginning Curriculum for Adults Learning Math) is a conceptually-focused and cognitively rigorous curriculum that supports beginning math learners in developing math concepts and skills while centering student thinking.

The BeCALM curriculum is composed of remote-ready units for adult learners needing math instruction at beginning levels (GLE 2-4). While adult students at this math level may have any level of reading, the student materials are designed to be used by adults with a reading level of GLE 2 or above. They are appropriate for use with English Language Learners at a beginning to intermediate level or above.

Key Features of BeCALM

  • Composed of remote-ready units for adult learners needing math instruction at beginning levels (GLE 2-4)
  • Aligned to the CCRSAE and best suited for students at CCRSAE Levels B/C (GLE 2-4)
  • Accessible for students at an ABE reading level and for English Language Learners
  • Reflects the CCRSAE mathematics instructional shifts (focus, coherence, rigor) with particular emphasis on building a foundation of conceptual understanding
  • Explicitly incorporates the Standards for Mathematical Practice into lessons
  • Promotes a classroom environment characterized by student discussion, productive struggle with challenging non-routine problems, and the development of a growth mindset

What teachers are saying about BeCALM professional development:

I learned so much. I think BeCALM will make a huge difference for our students"

 – Adult Education Teacher

 

BeCALM was developed by the SABES Math Professional Development Team at TERC, Inc., under contract with the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) on behalf of Public Adult Education of MA.

 

BeCALM includes material from TERC’s previously-published groundbreaking EMPower™ book series. Licensing inquiries should be addressed to adultnumeracy@terc.edu. Some units also include materials from TERC’s Investigations in Number, Data, and Space curriculum, with permission of the publisher, Savaas Learning Company.