Once there was more trust in schools than currently. For math, part of the problem locally is the influence of UW College of Education in instructional materials decisions. Unfortunately decisions are often based on alignment with the ideology pushed by the College of Education. Rarely if ever are previous performance numbers ever considered. Equally strange is the failure to address reality later.
In 2007 the Seattle School Board disregarded Denver’s massive failure with the Everyday Math – Connected Math combination and adopted Everyday Math. At the time of the 2007 adoption achievement gaps were very large for five classifications of disadvantaged learners. After one year of Everyday Math all five gaps were larger.
The Seattle School Board by a 4-3 vote has recently decided to adopt a failed program from San Diego that has been found to be mathematically unsound.
Trust in Seattle Schools will not be rebounding in the foreseeable future.
Key Markers Relating to Organizational Health
12 years ago
3 comments:
I can't think of anything else to add, except that the process, although public, was not transparent. The majority of teachers will probably find most of the training non-productive and redundant.
SPS is now admitting that Singapore materials will not be purchased for K-5. The May 20 Board Agenda introduces purchase of EveryDay Math consumables only. They claim Singapore will be used "in conjunction with their document cameras." I'll believe it when I see it.
This reform movement (Alliance for Education) has been callous, to say the least. Its efforts to subvert the actual truth regarding math reform go beyond public grandstanding.
It is painfully obvious to children and parents alike that the academic programs are not working in our urban schools causing great hardship to families everywhere. These people need to go.
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