Prince William County decided to enter the math wars when it adopted a controversial elementary math program called Investigations in Number, Data, and Space. It appeared, at first, that the program would end in elementary school. Unfortunately, feedback from middle school teachers indicates that Investigations ugly cousin, Connected Math, is heading for our middle schools unless we stop it.
The fight to restore real math to PWC schools took a few solid hits recently. On March 4th the school board voted 4/ 4 against offering choice to parents and on March 12th the board voted 4 / 4 in favor of expanding Investigations to the 5th grade. The net effect is that PWC elementary schools will be continuing all Investigations all the time next year.
There is a glimmer of hope, however. The board did authorize a blended approach to math the 4th. While the approach changes little, it does compel Principals to work with parents to implement balanced, blended programs at their schools, stipulates that schools are to provide both Investigations workbooks and traditional textbooks to students as needed, allows teachers to adapt lesson pacing and select alternate materials as they believe necessary for their students, and provides for differentiated instruction for students who need it.
While this “new” approach varies little from the approach currently in effect, we are hopeful that it will allow schools enough wiggle room that they will be able to provide our children with the math education they deserve.
We hope the following information will help us ensure that our children receive an appropriate education.
Elementary Mathematics
Opt In For Traditional Math
Far from ending when the school board voted against parental choice, the effort to bring real math back to PWC schools just shifted focus. Our efforts now are focused on restoring real math in our local schools. Check out the Opt In For Traditional Math Page for more Information.
Lies, Lies, and More Lies
The truth about the success of the PWC math program seems to be difficult to come by. School board members and PWCS staff have developed a nasty habit of distorting and misrepresenting the facts. Check out Lies, Lies, and More Lies to learn how the truth is in short supply in the PWC School System.
Evidence Against Investigations
Confused about all the fuss and wondering where to look for information? Check out the Evidence Against TERC Investigations page to learn more.
Defending the Pro-Real Math Parents
The parents leading the fight for choice in PWC schools have been accused, repeatedly, of misrepresenting the facts. Check out the Defending the Teach Math Right Team page to read about how we’ve never misrepresented the facts, just presented an alternate viewpoint.
Middle School Mathematics
The Evidence Against Connected Math
It pains me to have to write this, but while Connected Math, Investigations middle school cousin, is not currently approved for use in middle schools by either PWCS or the state, we have been hearing rumors that it is quietly being implemented as a supplemental textbook before the first wave of Investigations students rises to Middle School in the fall of 2010.
Check out the Evidence Against Connected Math Page to learn about how horrible this program is and to organize to keep it out of our Middle Schools.
1 response so far ↓
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE SCHOOL BOARDMATH INVESTIGATIONS WORK SESSION? « Citizen Tom // February 14, 2009 at 12:09 pm |
[...] The PWC Education Reform Blog exists to argue the case for traditional math and favors math choice. These parent/bloggers provide their take on the meeting here. [...]