Most self respecting kids will probably be joining the parents who are demonstrating against the PWC Schools math program. Aren’t kids supposed to hate math?
I just interviewed a 7 year old who is visiting. He told me he loved math and he got to use manipulatives and pencil and paper. He also knew that 8 + 9 = 17. Last night I interviewed a long- time PWC English teacher who sat through several in-service presentations of Math Investigations. She told me that for the first time, math made sense to her.
So what’s all the fuss about? Math Investigations. Apparently a few parents are upset that kids aren’t taught math they way they were taught back in the day. Student needs change. Technology changes. The skills that kids need to be successful in the 21st century are not the same skills kids needed who attended school back in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. To quote Bob Dylan, ‘The Times They are A’Changin’.
Anyone who wants to learn more about the elementary math program in PWCS should talk to their child’s teacher or go to the PWCS Mathematics Web site where they can see program evaluation reports and many other valuable resources for parents. Parents can also access all materials for teachers and administrators, such as planning calendars and pacing guides at the site. Any parent wanting to see the materials may contact their child’s school or visit the PWCS Staff Library.
