Math Courses Likely to Bring Controversy to Schools: EAST AURORA
By Karen Robinson, The Buffalo News, N.Y.
Sep. 10–While some East Aurora elementary pupils are getting a taste of Everyday Math’s latest version, others are being taught a more traditional math under two newly introduced pilot programs.
“We decided to pilot both this year, so we could see how they match up with the state standards as they continue to change, and to see how parents and teachers feel about the program,” said Brad Gibson, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and personnel.
The one-year pilot for both programs — Everyday Math’s third edition and a different program, published by the Scott Foresman company — is being introduced to two classes in each of first through fifth grades.
The change is part of a curriculum review. The district looked at eight to nine programs before settling on the two pilots.
A letter explaining the changes was mailed to parents late last week, and the issue will be addressed during open houses.
The pilot arrangement contains a controversial component. Once the state assessments are completed, the teachers involved in the two math programs will switch classes in March to experience teaching the other program.
Gibson stressed that students will not change classes, just the teachers involved in the piloted math programs.
“We felt it was the only way teachers could collaborate and get [a feel] for both programs,” he said.
Board member Stephen Zagrobelny is critical of the arrangement.
“There’s no way the two pilots align, and elementary school kids bond with their teacher,” he said. “You get a not-confident kid who bonds with his teacher and then loses that. It’s like putting in a longterm substitute in March for math. It seems so cobbled together. I expect some push-back from parents.”
Children not in either of the piloted math programs are being taught the second edition of Everyday Math.
Gibson is determined that the piloted programs will run smoothly for students throughout the year. However, the issue of exploring different approaches to teaching elementary math is sure to provoke debate within educational and parenting circles.
About five years ago — when East Aurora first introduced Everyday Math, which deviates from traditional learning and emphasizes frequent use of games and hands-on activities — it sparked a mix of criticism and praise, as it has in many other districts where it was implemented.
The issue generated debate at the board’s August meeting.
“The board is divided on the math,” Zagrobelny said. “The board’s concern is that Everyday Math doesn’t mesh well with the [traditional] Holt math taught in middle school. Holt has been very successful for the last two years. Why pilot the new version of Everyday Math if it doesn’t mesh well with the middle school?”
Later in the school year, the math programs will be evaluated and teachers will submit their recommendations to administrators before the School Board decides on which one to implement for next fall.
krobinson@buffnews.com
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