Seattlest: A High School Algebra Textbook Counterpoint

Dan_Dempsey

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:25:41 -0800

Twitter's comment reveals a need to check the data. Example based instructional materials were forced out by the Bergeson administration's actions. Example based instructional materials did not align well with the math WASL. The last decade has featured what the Twitter desires and the reults are an absolute disaster. Twitter person please check the data. More at http://mathunderground.blogspot.com To improve a system requires the intelligent application of relevant data. .... Sorry but allegiance to a failed philosphy will no longer cut it. Dan

donproject

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:20:09 -0800

If you're curious about Bellevue's position, you'll be happy to know they (full disclosure: "we") are undecided. We'll be piloting two textbooks over the next year to see which one suits our students best. Including the poor, non-white students. I don't think I'm supposed to say which books we are testing. However, in my opinion, a textbook does not dictate how the class is taught. A good teacher uses a variety of methods to reach their audience in the most effective way possible. A textbook should merely be a good reference for students and/or parents when they are away from the classroom and need support in their learning process. Don't forget that it is the school board that decides what book is officially adopted, but it should be the teacher that decides what goes on in the classroom. If you don't like it, get involved. Even if it just means taking a break from your day job as weatherman and stating your opinion. I mean it's not like weathermen do math or anything.

Audrey

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:13:57 -0800

You can always count on Twitter for trenchant socio-political commentary.