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| School Board Work Session Tuesday, December 15, 4 PM |
Next Tuesday’s School Board Work Session on the topic of Elementary Mathematics promises to be informative. It is on the agenda at the request of Board member Kelly Lichter, an outspoken critic of how math is taught in our schools.
According to the Executive Summary on the meeting agenda, “State standards and district-developed curriculum maps and resources form the foundation of the elementary math curriculum. The presentation will share the connectedness between the elementary math program, the secondary math program, and the types of problem-solving necessitated for college and career readiness.”
A draft PowerPoint presentation to be given at the meeting indicates what we can expect.
First, Jennifer Kincaid, Executive Director, Elementary Programs, will review the Mathematics Florida Standards (MAFS), which are the foundation for the CCPS math program.
Then, Sarah Woofter, Coordinator, Elementary Mathematics, will explain how computation is done under MAFS, and illustrate the difference between understanding vs. memorization with what I found to be really interesting examples.
Next, Margaux Horne, Assistant Principal, Lake Trafford Elementary, will present the many types of support available for teachers and parents of students in K–5 math.
Finally, Kimberly Ragusa, Coordinator, Secondary Mathematics, will explain how the way elementary math is taught prepares students for math instruction at the high school level. She will also explain changes to the ACT test beginning Fall 2015 and the SAT test beginning in March 2016 for which CCPS students are being prepared. From the PowerPoint:
The ACT reformatted standards reflect the language of the many sets of college and career readiness standards being used by states, of which the Common Core State Standards are one. The ACT score report will have additional reporting areas for each section (English, mathematics, reading and science) and a composite score of those four.SAT questions focus on skills that matter most for college and career readiness and success. Changes to the new SAT will include words in context, command of evidence, essay analyzing the source, advanced mathematical concepts on more complex equations and the manipulation they require, problems grounded in real world context, analysis in science and in history/social studies, use of founding documents.
If you’re interested in how math is being taught in Collier Schools, and WHY it’s being taught that way, attend the meeting in person, watch it live on TV or the CCPS website, or watch it at your leisure on-demand.
If you have comments to share with School Board members or the Superintendent, email them here:
Kathleen Curatolo – curatoka@collierschools.com
Erika Donalds – donale@collierschools.com
Kelly Lichter – lichteke@collierschools.com
Julie Sprague – spraguju@collierschools.com
Roy Terry – terryro@collierschools.com
Superintendent Kamela Patton – patton@collierschools.com
Erika Donalds – donale@collierschools.com
Kelly Lichter – lichteke@collierschools.com
Julie Sprague – spraguju@collierschools.com
Roy Terry – terryro@collierschools.com
Superintendent Kamela Patton – patton@collierschools.com
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