The Challenge

Roanoke City Public Schools recognized the need for a more balanced approach to teaching mathematics that would encourage students to engage in mathematical thinking away from screens. They aimed to find a resource that promoted natural problem-solving and improved student communication and critical thinking skills. Additionally, the district wanted to steer away from algorithmic thinking and teaching and bring math to life in a way that better reflected problem-solving in the real world.

Choosing Exemplars

To address these needs, Roanoke City Public Schools turned to Exemplars Problem Solving for the 21st Century as an ideal solution to their challenge. After considering other options, they selected Exemplars for its performance-based tasks that encourage student autonomy and offline engagement. The district began with a pilot program in three classrooms via the Exemplars Ambassador Program. Teachers quickly saw the benefits. 

Pilot teachers noted that students of all learning needs and levels were challenged by different aspects of the program. Additionally, the program's alignment with the Building Thinking Classrooms framework further solidified its value, with Beres stating, “Building Thinking Classrooms ... every single one of his [Peter Liljedahl’s] recommended tasks align with Exemplars and just melds with the program so well.”

The Results

After implementing Exemplars, Roanoke City Public Schools observed a positive shift in student engagement and problem-solving abilities. Students began to approach math tasks with greater confidence and independence, demonstrating improved critical-thinking skills. The initial pilot classrooms reported success, leading to increased interest from other teachers and a decision to adopt Exemplars in K-5 classrooms district-wide. Beres stated,

“There's really no reason to hold back––whether your concerns are pricing or timing or teacher lift, or whatever your concerns might be of a new supplemental piece, Exemplars makes it really approachable.” 

Metrics showed a growing trend in usage, with the goal to increase the frequency of Exemplars task use from once a week to the target of three times per week. Math Specialist, Kelly Steele noted, "I feel pretty strongly that we’re going to see a big improvement across the board in terms of problem solving and thinking about math."