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Of course there was never any doubt about whether they were going to adopt "reform" math. The four choices they had to decide upon were, Connected Math, Math in Context, MathScape, and Math Thematics. I suppose it was just a matter of figuring out which one was the fuzziest.
According to the School District memorandum, here are some of the strengths of the program (emphasis mine)
Student:You notice there is nothing about fluency, mastery, clear examples, computation, standard algorithms, etc...
The program provides the following for the needs/rights of students:
• know the purpose of learning, including objectives, standards, goals, criteria and evaluation rubrics
• choose from a variety of strategies to explore, solve, and communicate math concepts
• engagement through a variety of activities, which may include independent projects, cooperative learning, manipulatives, technology, collaborative work, etc.
• feel connected and free to take risks
• a belief that math can be learned
• opportunities for self-monitoring and self-reflection
• make connections to real life applications
• support at individual learning levels
Teacher:
• Teacher makes meaningful connections between math and real-life.
• Teacher has high expectations for success and achievement for all students.
• Teacher uses a variety of instructional and assessment strategies (differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, exploration & learning extensions, use of manipulatives and technology, and other best teaching practices).
• Teacher clearly states classroom expectations, and content and language objectives. • Teacher provides time for student reflection & meta-cognition.
• Teacher communicates with and is available to parents and students.
• Teacher receives appropriate and ongoing professional development & training (knowledgeable of pedagogy, content, and vertical alignment of curriculum).
• Teacher is provided adequate time and opportunity for grade-level and vertical collegial collaboration and support.
What do you expect from a school district that uses Everyday Mathematics?
Cross-posted at Parentalcation
9 comments:
"a belief that math can be learned"
Hmmm. Really? Math can be learned? This is big news!
I wish people would stop reflecting on stuff.
opportunities for self-monitoring and self-reflection
I also with people would stop giving our kids opportunities to do stuff nobody wants to do
NOBODY WANTS TO SELF-REFLECT OR SELF-MONITOR
ESPECIALLY SELF-MONITOR
SELF-MONITORING IS SOOOOOOOO NOT FUN
Aren't I supposed to be writing a book?
right this minute?
Thank God they're going to give some time for meta-cognition. That's really what's been missing all this time.
ditto that
You notice there is nothing about fluency, mastery, clear examples, computation, standard algorithms.
It really is extraordinary.
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