The big news here in Connecticut is that we finally got a Commissioner -- Mark McQuillan was named our new leader. The local papers are all carrying pretty much the same story, which you can find at the Courant, or the Advocate. So far, the big question seems to be, will there be a required exit exam for HS (like they do in Mass). The new Commissioner is from Massachusetts.
Mass recently revised their elementary math standards. Now they get an A for their math standards, according to the Fordham Foundation. In a recent decision, Mass. will be requiring more math from their teachers before they get an elementary license. Starting in 2008, teachers will have to pass a broader sub-test in math. Sandra Stotsky (on the National Math Panel, and member of the MA Bd of Ed), is quoted as saying "Teachers can't teach what they don't know." This was in a recent Boston article you can find here.
So I wonder whether Mr. McQuillan can bring some of that magic to Connecticut. Any thoughts? I'd love to see new leadership that really addresses the shortfalls in Connecticut's math curriculum standards and CMT tests.
what was his position in MA?
ReplyDeletegoing to MA is a very good idea
MA & CA have the best math standards
I think Indiana may be the 3rd state with good standards, but I'm not positive I remember correctly
From the news reports, I believe he was a Deputy Education Commissioner until 2004. More recently he was the head of Edco Collaborative, "a consortium of 21 suburban and urban school districts in the Boston area providing services to disabled students, low-income children and others."
ReplyDeleteThe press tells us nothing about his personal views on math.
hmmm
ReplyDeleteis he connected with Sandra Stotsky in any way?
I haven't seen any direct link. Only that they are both Massachusetts educrats. If that's a fair characterization.
ReplyDelete