To evaluate a new math curriculum effectively, what method should be employed?

The method of randomly selecting students for curriculum use is an effective way to evaluate a new math curriculum because it minimizes bias and ensures that the results are representative of the larger student population. When students are chosen at random, any differences observed in their performance can more confidently be attributed to the curriculum itself, rather than to pre-existing differences in the groups being compared. This process allows for a more controlled experimental design, leading to valid conclusions about the efficacy of the new curriculum.

In contrast, comparing test scores with state assessments may not provide insights that are specific to the new curriculum's effectiveness, as these assessments might measure a wide range of skills not directly tied to the curriculum. Gathering feedback from teachers alone might introduce subjective opinions that could color the evaluation without objective data. Relying on consensus from an IEP team, while important for special education considerations, doesn’t adequately represent the broader student population's experiences and outcomes with the new curriculum. Therefore, the random selection of students stands out as the most reliable and methodologically sound choice to assess the curriculum's impact comprehensively.