Transition to Algebra Project

Transition to Algebra Curriculum

Area Model Multiplication

Transition to Algebra (TTA) is an initiative of the Learning and Teaching Division at Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC). Supported by the National Science Foundation, TTA seeks to quickly give students the mathematical knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in a standard first-year algebra class and to show them that they can explore mathematics and actually enjoy it.

TTA is a full-year algebra support curriculum, published by Heinemann and distributed by their parent company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, designed to:

  • run concurrently with first-year algebra (though some schools use it as pre-algebra, in summer schools, or as supplemental materials in algebra); and
  • raise the competence and confidence of students who may benefit from supports for algebra success.

TTA is designed to build students' algebraic habits of mind, key mathematical ways of thinking aligned with the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice. Students explore algebraic logic puzzles that connect to and extend algebra course topics and learn broadly-applicable tools and strategies to help them make sense of what they are learning in algebra. Students discuss and refine their ideas as they work through mental mathematics activities, written puzzles, spoken dialogues, and hands-on explorations that engage them in cultivating mathematical knowledge, intuition, and skills.

Online Learning Support

Transition to Algebra has a number of resources available for use in at-home and virtual lesson formats:

  • SolveMe Puzzle Apps. Everyone (students, parents, and teachers) can access the three free mathematics puzzle apps: Mobiles, MysteryGrid, and Who Am I?. Each of these apps have instructions available via the information icon (indicated with a question mark) and contain additional information for parents and teachers behind the information section's "About" tab.
  • PDF files of Teacher Guides and Student Books are available to teachers at schools that have purchased Transition to Algebra. Use the access code included at the bottom of the Table of Contents of the Series Overview booklet included in your Teacher Resources box.