I have been using the Investigations curriculum for three years now. I finally went to the principal and told her I will not do another day of it. It is great in theory and unmanagable in practice.
I agree with the basic premise that the kids need to understand their math work at a deeper level. I do not agree with Investigations approach. Kids need a vocabulary and a method to use to develop strategies and solutions.
It is too difficult to determine which of the nine books can be covered in a year (5th grade in my case). What can be left out, what is essential and what to do with students that haven't successfully completed work at previous levels. Also there is the problem with "freeloaders" in the classrooms who never do their share of the thinking.
My question is: Has anyone out there found a better curriculum that is based on the NCTM standards. There has to be one.
