Math Pathways

Math Pathways is an initiative from the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Ohio Math Initiative that focuses on equivalent courses that will satisfy the credit requirement for Algebra 2. OESCA is providing support for the Math Pathways initiative and ESCs have been involved in initiative planning/work groups, have participated in pilot programs and will eventually serve as Math Pathways facilitators.

There are three courses for which teachers can be trained:

1. Mathematics Modeling and Reasoning

This portion of the initiative is no longer considered a "pilot" program, but rather a two-year professional learning/training course. Mathematical Modeling and Reasoning is an advanced quantitative reasoning course - the application of basic math skills such as algebra to the analysis and interpretation of quantitative information (numbers and units) in real-world contexts to make decisions relevant to daily life. Critical thinking is its primary objective and outcome and it emphasizes interpretation, representation, calculation, analysis/synthesis, assumptions and communication.

2. Data Science Foundations

Data science is an area of mathematics that uses quantitative reasoning, statistics and computer science to gain meaningful insights from data. Data science focuses on using data to make predictions and decisions. Students will reason with and think critically about data in all forms and will develop their understanding of data analysis, sampling, correlation/causation, bias and uncertainty, probability, modeling with data, making and evaluating data-based arguments, and more.

3. Discrete Math/Computer Science

Discrete Mathematics is an area of mathematics that most closely connects with the field of computer science. It is the study of mathematical structures that are countable or otherwise distinct and separable, and it focuses on computational thinking, problem solving and computer science concepts.

Application

Applications must be completed online. The form is editable so applicants may revise answers after submitting. A read-only version of each application is available for planning purposes only.

Cost

ESSER funding for Math Pathways training has ended. Schools enrolled in a Math Pathways course previous to the 2024-25 school year will not be charged to complete training. New Math Pathways applicants will be charged $2000 for two years of implementation training and support per building, per pathway (Mathematical Modeling and Reasoning, Data Science Foundations, Discrete Math/Computer Science).

How Can ESCS Get Involved in Math Pathways?

1. Encourage districts to apply for Math Pathways pilot programs/training sessions

Each Fall, schools may apply for Math Pathways pilot programs/training. Selections are made and participants are notified in January. The district must return an acceptance letter and other forms and then the two-year program begins. Since course selections for the next school year are determined in the Fall/Winter, it is critical that districts get their applications in and course offerings listed now.

2. Provide feedback

Is a teacher in your district a part of a Math Pathways pilot group? Keep in touch with districts and send feedback on the implementation and results to OESCA.

Mathematics Modeling & Reasoning (MMR)

Data Science Foundations (DSF)

Discrete Math/Computer Science (DM/CS)

DM/CS Video for Use with Students/Families