NY Math Network: Rochester’s Implementation Journey
Author(s): Dr. Enkela Paco, Rochester City School District; Liz Helbig, Rochester City School District; Wilson Burgos, Rochester City School District; Candace Colon, Rochester City School District; Nicolle L. Haynes, Rochester City School District; Yolanda Perkins, National Implementation Research Network; Stephen McKinney, National Implementation Research Network
Publication Date: September 2025
Focus Area(s): K-12 Education
The NY Math Network is a collaboration between the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) and several major New York State school districts. This project brings together Buffalo Public Schools, Rochester City School District, and Yonkers Public Schools in a coordinated effort to transform mathematics instruction by systematically implementing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM).
In the Rochester City School District (RCSD), the journey to transform mathematics instruction has been a story of vision, resilience, and systems-level change. As Dr. Enkela Paco, Executive Director of Mathematics, described it, “Implementation is like a storm boat—messy, unpredictable, and often rocky. But we keep our eyes on the sun, which for us is excellent math instruction for all students.” This metaphor captures the spirit of a district that has embraced complexity, persisted through constant changes and challenges, and remained steadfast in its commitment to equity and excellence.
Rochester’s Implementation Journey: Charting the Course Toward Equitable Math Instruction