Sunday, November 7, 2010
RSU 1 - email sent to board and superintendent on Nov 1
The following email as sent to the RSU 1 board & superintendent in regard to the elementary math curriculum:
I am glad that you are piloting some supplementary programs and reviewing the calculator policy. I urge you to also do the following:
1) Research alternative elementary math curriculums (avoid "spiraling" curriculums)
2) Start training elementary teachers on ways to teach the standards algorithms
3) Begin teaching the standard algorithms immediately (this year)
4) Immediately do away with Everyday Math for special education students
I am not in favor of the increased federal control that comes along with the adoption of the Common Cores State Standards (CCSS). While the CCSS do have some things that I like (i.e. standard algorithms), they are far from perfect. We'll find out what the Maine Legislature decides in January. If Maine chooses not to adopt the CCSS, it's still likely that they will adopt revised standards and these will specify the standard algorithms.
Many districts in CCSS states are moving away from Everyday Math. We'd be wise to do the same. I'm sure that EDM is working to try to align their text to the CCSS. Do we want to risk adopting their first attempt at a program aligned to the CCSS? Will the writers of EDM continue to push too many different algorithms onto our students? Will the drop algorithms like the "Lattice Method?" Will they do away with the spiraling? The National Math Advisory Panel WARNS against spiraling.
It's been years since many of our RSU 1 elementary teachers have taught the standard algorithms. They will need training to switch back to traditional algorithms. Please commit to giving them this training.
I am glad that you are piloting some supplementary programs and reviewing the calculator policy. I urge you to also do the following:
1) Research alternative elementary math curriculums (avoid "spiraling" curriculums)
2) Start training elementary teachers on ways to teach the standards algorithms
3) Begin teaching the standard algorithms immediately (this year)
4) Immediately do away with Everyday Math for special education students
I am not in favor of the increased federal control that comes along with the adoption of the Common Cores State Standards (CCSS). While the CCSS do have some things that I like (i.e. standard algorithms), they are far from perfect. We'll find out what the Maine Legislature decides in January. If Maine chooses not to adopt the CCSS, it's still likely that they will adopt revised standards and these will specify the standard algorithms.
Many districts in CCSS states are moving away from Everyday Math. We'd be wise to do the same. I'm sure that EDM is working to try to align their text to the CCSS. Do we want to risk adopting their first attempt at a program aligned to the CCSS? Will the writers of EDM continue to push too many different algorithms onto our students? Will the drop algorithms like the "Lattice Method?" Will they do away with the spiraling? The National Math Advisory Panel WARNS against spiraling.
It's been years since many of our RSU 1 elementary teachers have taught the standard algorithms. They will need training to switch back to traditional algorithms. Please commit to giving them this training.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Montgomery MD "Back to Basics" in Math
Reform math programs (Everyday Math) introduce probability in 2nd grade. Under the Common Core Standards, it will be taught in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. This allows more time in elementary school to master the basics in math.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
More Disappointing News on the Maine Educational Front
The State of Maine placed 3rd highest overall with students graduation from four-year school with an average debt load of $29,143.00.
48th Is Not a Good Place
The US now ranks 48th out of 133 developed and developing nations in quality of math and science instruction.
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