Bridge to College

The Bridge to College mathematics course is designed to prepare students for entrance into non-calculus pathway introductory college level mathematics courses. The course curriculum emphasizes modeling with mathematics and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice. Topics include building and interpreting functions (linear, quadratic and exponential), writing, solving and reasoning with equations and inequalities, and summarizing, representing, and interpreting data. This course must be taught using the Bridge to College mathematics curriculum. If you are interested in reviewing the actual course materials, please follow the instructions at this web page.

This course develops students’ college and career readiness by building skills in critical reading, academic writing, speaking and listening, research and inquiry, and language use as defined by the Common Core State Standards. Students read complex nonfiction and fiction texts focusing on issues of both current and enduring importance. Students learn to evaluate the credibility of information, critique others’ opinions, and construct their own opinions based on evidence.

By the end of the course, students are able to use strategies for critical reading, argumentative writing, and independent thinking while reading unfamiliar texts and responding to them in discussion and writing. The course also develops essential habits of mind necessary for student success in college, including independence, productive persistence, and metacognition.

Teachers consistently report that professional learning through Bridge to College training is essential for successful course implementation and offers opportunities to experience adaptive, up-to-date curriculum and rich communities of professional learning. 

The program’s summer training and ongoing professional learning opportunities:

• Deepen teachers’ understanding of curriculum and assessment.
• Provide collaborative, job-embedded learning focused on improving student performance and college readiness.

Districts are required to register both new and returning teachers to ensure access to the most recent instructional materials and rigorous learning experiences for students.

The Bridge to College courses are fully self-supporting, with fees funding the professional development infrastructure and continuous updates to instructional and assessment materials.

Annual Costs:

• $2,000 for new Bridge to College teachers
• $850 for returning Bridge to College teachers
• Please note: Teachers who attend the New or Returning Teacher Institutes but do not teach the Bridge to College course during the school year will still be charged to cover the costs associated with the Institute.

What the Fees Cover:

• Registration, some meals, and accommodations for the required Summer Teacher Institute
• Access to all curriculum materials, as well as ongoing support and technical assistance
• 20 hours of professional learning meetings or curriculum workshops in a Community of Practice format during the school year (required for new teachers, optional for returning teachers)

Additional District Responsibilities:
School districts are responsible for covering travel, time, substitutes, and supplies for teachers attending the August Teacher Institute as well as other professional learning activities during the school year.

Registration is now open. Districts are encouraged to register by June 2, even if teacher assignments are not finalized. 

After the school year begins, districts will receive an invoice for the professional development and access to the curriculum fees for each teacher registered to teach the Bridge to College course in 2025–26.