Math Controversy: NYC Skips Bidding for New Curriculum

In a surprising move, New York City's Department of Education (DOE) didn't open up bidding for a new math curriculum, called "Illustrative Math. " Instead, they chose this program for a $34 million initiative called "NYC Solves. " This decision has raised some eyebrows, especially among other curriculum vendors. One such vendor, Savvas Learning Company, even asked the city comptroller to look into whether the DOE followed all the rules. Savvas believes that other companies should have been given a chance to submit proposals. But it seems like the DOE picked Illustrative Mathematics without any competition. Mayor Adams and the then-Chancellor David Banks announced NYC Solves in June to tackle low math scores. Half of the city's students in grades 3-8 weren't meeting math proficiency standards in 2023.The initiative started with 265 high schools testing out Illustrative Math for algebra. However, many teachers weren't happy with the strict lesson plans and the need for students to work in groups with little teacher help. Despite a drop in Algebra 1 Regents exam scores this year, the DOE made Illustrative Math mandatory in almost all high schools. The DOE insisted it followed all procurement policies. They also said Savvas was among the companies they considered when they looked for math curricula. Emails from another vendor, Curriculum Associates, show that the DOE had checked out their programs too, a month before NYC Solves was announced. These emails raise questions about fairness and whether some vendors knew about the DOE's plans early.