Comments on: Celebrating Mediocrity

By: Alan Cook

Alan Cook — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:00:15 +0000

National math test scores continue to be disappointing. This poor trend persists in spite of new texts, standardized tests with attached implied threats, or laptops in the class. At some point, maybe we should admit that math, as it is taught currently and in the recent past, seems irrelevant to a large percentage of grade school kids.

Why blame a sixth grade student or teacher trapped by meaningless lessons? Teachers are frustrated. Students check out.

The missing element is reality. Instead of insisting that students learn another sixteen formulae, we need to involve them in tangible life projects. And the task must be interesting.

Project-oriented math engages kids. It is fun. They have a reason to learn the math they may have ignored in the standard lecture format of a class room.

Alan Cook
info@thenumberyard.com
www.thenumberyard.com

By: Jackie H.

Jackie H. — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:08:16 +0000

Exactly “Anonymous Mom.” And that’s why we’re bringing this issue (as well as numerous others) to the public’s attention. Would you like to help us? All it would take is a simple note encouraging your contacts to reach out to our School Board members demanding change. You can include the student performance data relative to other VA districts from our OpEd or the detailed version which can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/ybzjn2k. In support of one of our dedicated parents presenting this data @ tomorrow night’s SB meeting, we could use all the help we can get. School Board members’ email addresses can be accessed here: http://tinyurl.com/ye64yt7

Thanks! -Jackie

By: AnonymousMom

AnonymousMom — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:30:58 +0000

Because the school system isn’t accountable to the parents or the students. The school system is accountable to the state Ed Dept and the state is accountable to the Federal Ed Dept. Neither of those entities will respond unless test scores really tank for many consecutive years.

The only way the PWC school system will respond is if there’s a public outcry. A handful of disgruntled parents doesn’t constitute an outcry.

By: anon

anon — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:05:28 +0000

“The school system isn’t going to change anything over what some idiot parent says.”

Why not? These days all it takes is the objection of one person to stop all sorts of processes. Look at Nativity scenes, for example. Why should this be any different?

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:54:01 +0000

I’m glad you didn’t have a vote during that important meeting in Philly back in 1776.

I’m indebted to these parents who are fighting for all the children. Not everyone can afford Kumon, personal $40 hour tutors, or homeschooling. It’s people like you who promote the laissez faire attitude of the school board.

The data speaks for itself. You’d have to be an idiot to ignore it.

By: AnonymousMom

AnonymousMom — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:49:27 +0000

I don’t know why these parents are even bothering to try. The school system isn’t going to change anything over what some idiot parent says. If you don’t like the program the district provides homeschool, hire a tutor, or teach your kids yourself. Complaining is just a waste of time because the school board is just going to rubber stamp whatever the district says.