Re: Algebra (was Re: Half Grades?)

[Judi Hirsch <judih@OUSD.K12.CA.US>]

I just got done meeting with a local school board member who is a friend and member of the Green Party, and we wrote up eductional issues to be discussed at the Greens upcoming state meeting--it's so refreshing to be able to be up front about what we want, and we certainly want to change this outdated factory model!
Judi
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kathie Humes 
  To: ARN-L@LISTS.CUA.EDU 
  Sent: Monday, September 03, 2001 10:09 AM
  Subject: Re: Algebra (was Re: Half Grades?)


  Judi:
   
  I think that is the trap the "Carnegie Unit" and seat time created for us....and you are right, it is for the convenience of textbook publishers and beancounters everywhere.  No student benefits.  We have a state law that says every high school credit must include 990 minutes of seat time....whether it takes 200 or 1800 minutes to master the material.  It's the factory model of high school education that is so failing our children.  Kids should take as short a time or as long a time as they need.  It is a problem in every subject -- it is just most obvious in math.
   
  kh
    -----Original Message-----
    From: Assessment Reform Network Mailing List [mailto:ARN-L@listsrva.CUA.EDU]On Behalf Of Judi Hirsch
    Sent: Monday, September 03, 2001 9:51 AM
    To: ARN-L@listsrva.CUA.EDU
    Subject: Re: Algebra (was Re: Half Grades?)


    I find the following interesting: "some kids simply need more time to master the material."
    where is it written that algebra MUST BE MASTERED IN ONE YEAR??? 
    I think that year-long courses are a convenience--easy to order books from publishers, etc., but not necessarily the most sensible way to go.
    (When I was at the k-12 school where I worked for the past 15 years, my students had as long as they needed to learn whatever it was that they needed, but that's another story).
    I think the best way to insure that students will do well in algebra (or in any other course)  is to prepare them well.
    there is consensus that math is NOT well taught in most elementary classrooms, so our children aren't prepared to understand. Parents with prior knowlegde of algebra or the means to pay for a tutor can help their children pass, but NOT understand. 
    Two years might just be the time needed for those with no support or prior understanding because of neglect.
    Judi
      ----- Original Message ----- 
      From: Kathie Humes 
      To: ARN-L@LISTS.CUA.EDU 
      Sent: Monday, September 03, 2001 8:22 AM
      Subject: Re: Algebra (was Re: Half Grades?)


      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