Re: Algebra (was Re: Half Grades?)

[Kathie Humes <schumes3@HOME.COM>]

Folks,

I don't think we have figured out how to meet the needs of high school math
students.  In general, there is one way only, so highly successful freshmen
are in geometry class with seniors struggling to pass the class and
graduate.  If kids fail algebra or geometry, they simply have the option of
doing it all over again the exact same way.  Regardless of reading, language
or learning differences, all kids are run through the same gristmill.

The efforts to design alternatives, it seems to me, are well intentioned, if
awkward in implementation.  I think the notion is that some kids simply need
more time to master the material -- in theory, a good idea.  In our high
schools, there are more parental complaints about math than any other
subject.  Math instruction seems more resistant to change and innovation
than other areas.  And until math is made relevant, there will not be public
buy-in to "algebra for all."

Kathie Humes

(and for George:  I am a parent activist for education reform)


 -----Original Message-----
From: Assessment Reform Network Mailing List
[mailto:ARN-L@listsrva.CUA.EDU]On Behalf Of Dr. William C. Cala, Ed.D.
Sent: Monday, September 03, 2001 7:53 AM
To: ARN-L@listsrva.CUA.EDU
Subject: Re: Algebra (was Re: Half Grades?)


  Judi,

  No.  Math A and Math B are a redesign of Sequential Math Course I and
Sequential Math Course II which were redesigns of Algebra and Geometry.
Lovely, eh?

  Bill
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Judi Hirsch
    To: ARN-L@LISTS.CUA.EDU
    Sent: Saturday, September 01, 2001 11:03 AM
    Subject: Re: Algebra (was Re: Half Grades?)


    In our district Math A was considered amth for those who couldn't do
algebra. Is that what this is?
    Judi
      ----- Original Message -----
      From: Dr. William C. Cala, Ed.D.
      To: ARN-L@LISTS.CUA.EDU
      Sent: Friday, August 31, 2001 7:27 PM
      Subject: Re: Algebra (was Re: Half Grades?)


      In New York's infinite wisdom, they have developed a new 9th grade
math course called Math Course A.  It is designed for 1 and 1/2 years.
That's right, not one, not two, but one and one-half years.  I don't want to
get into how nuts this makes me.  Just think of the mechanics of this.  A
kid will always have two teachers over two different school years to finish
the course.  In my district it means two different school buildings as well.
And that is just the beginning .

      BC
        ----- Original Message -----
        From: Mickey VanDerwerker
        To: ARN-L@LISTS.CUA.EDU
        Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2001 11:01 AM
        Subject: Re: Algebra (was Re: Half Grades?)


        In a message dated 8/28/2001 9:31:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
        judih@OUSD.K12.CA.US writes:



          how many districts offer a two-year
          algebra option?


        We offer a one year option (usually taken by the math whizzes in
middle
        school thus a pass rate of almost 100%), a two year option, and now,
a three
        year option.  Because algebra for all is critical.....
        And, of course, since algebra, geometry, and algebra 2 are the only
maths
        that count toward graduation, we don't have any other maths
available
        (except, in some schools, higher math like calculus).
        I think a four year option is also in the making for kids who can
take,
        according to VA, the SOL tests again and again and again and again.
        Mickey