CMP is an ambitious program that embeds mathematical ideas in problem situations, and teachers often need significant support when first using the materials
in their classrooms. Prior to the present case studies, the district had provided limited
professional development opportunities to support teachers at Pierce Middle
School as they transitioned to reform-oriented materials. Ms. Archer and Ms. Reese
participated in monthly, after-school professional development sessions provided
by the CoSTAR project but had to rely primarily on their existing mathematical
understandings when implementing the CMP materials. Of particular relevance to
the present study, both teachers reported that solving fraction arithmetic problems
with drawings was new for them. Both teachers seemed earnest about using the
CMP materials successfully with their students and combined aspects of more
traditional and more reform-oriented instruction.