tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post4021575780046171673..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Math Pathways, Middle School, and Equitable AccessMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49797459675930218622016-03-27T12:43:03.980-07:002016-03-27T12:43:03.980-07:00Good effort. siteGood effort. <a href="http://www.google.com" rel="nofollow">site</a>stevenjocbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02803449928354344135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-14836634937174313672014-11-30T20:27:41.183-08:002014-11-30T20:27:41.183-08:00Currently, Hamilton middle school offers CMP1-3, A...Currently, Hamilton middle school offers CMP1-3, Algebra 1 Honors, Geometry Honors, and Pre-Calculus Honors (meets Pre-Calc. requirements; although technically "Algebra Two"). For 2014-15, Mr. Pounder teaches ONE Pre-Calc. class-which has 33 student(s). At the moment, there are 26 7th graders in Geometry-probably ~2 will flunk/change schools(s), decided to repeat a course, etc. It is NOT decided for 2015-16...Mr. Pounder is retiring.Hamilton Studentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70415446445081315492014-06-14T14:28:37.002-07:002014-06-14T14:28:37.002-07:00On the off chance that the area is commanding unif...On the off chance that the area is commanding uniform material selection for all schools paying little heed to option status - unless they get waivers or are an assigned imaginative methodology school? - then why aren't schools after the math pathway? and also the children are <a href="http://www.ipracticemath.com/" rel="nofollow">Math Practice Test</a> properly in school.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09596543922736382314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46130696935178540972014-06-13T14:12:20.271-07:002014-06-13T14:12:20.271-07:00They haven't said anything. The AL Task Forces...They haven't said anything. The AL Task Forces still need to put forth their recommendations, then T&L will do what they do. <br /><br />Only students in the attendance zone of an APP school have access to APP level math acceleration, unless a school decides otherwise. So to say math is ability based, but not offer more advanced classes to non-APP students unless they are at an APP pathway school is somewhat disingenuous, yes?<br /><br />waitingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85796569118931898492014-06-13T13:39:25.443-07:002014-06-13T13:39:25.443-07:00So if your child is placed into 8th grade math in...So if your child is placed into 8th grade math in 6th grade at any middle school except APP middle schools, they get no instruction for geometry. But can they get into an APP school and get transportation, even of they aren't in APP and just take APP math and gened or honors for other classes? My fifth grader does walk to one year ahead but could do two years ahead and has the MAP scores to prove it. Not interested in Hamilton until we heard about this "cap" on math at middle schools. Are they now saying single subject capable, at least in math, are going to get to attend APP schools?<br />QqqqAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-42715278924392405792014-06-13T07:55:47.416-07:002014-06-13T07:55:47.416-07:00BHS is using Discovery text and supplementing.
B...BHS is using Discovery text and supplementing.<br /><br /><br />BHS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91099643452990044512014-06-12T18:21:53.838-07:002014-06-12T18:21:53.838-07:00How many classrooms are really using Discovering? ...How many classrooms are really using Discovering? I ask this knowing there is a group that does not like Discovering and tries to supplement/usurp/avoid it, but there are also a few schools where there are not enough Discovering textbooks anyhow and so teachers don't use them for the equity reason (how assign homework if every student doesn't have a book).<br /><br />I know 1st hand of several cases of each in the HS, but I'm curious about parent feedback in terms of just how prevalent it is that teachers of their children do not use the district-adopted textbook for whatever reason (meaning I don't know that anybody, district staff/Board/observers) really know by % breakdown how infrequent the usage is. I hear from tutors that it "sounds like" over 50% of classrooms do not use the Discovering textbook (or any particular textbook period), although this lack of a consistent resource may be why so many kids struggle and thus their parents pay for tutoring. Some classrooms apparently pilot texts from Texas, New York, etc.<br /><br />Textbook QuestionerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18910656287339130082014-06-12T17:06:35.135-07:002014-06-12T17:06:35.135-07:00I have found BHS pretty flexible in letting studen...I have found BHS pretty flexible in letting students accelerate in courses, including math, thus allowing students to create their own pathway regardless of what they took in MS. <br /><br />BHS parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-25201547841313787052014-06-12T16:08:05.119-07:002014-06-12T16:08:05.119-07:00There's not even equity within individual scho...There's not even equity within individual schools. When one teacher's version of a class uses the Discovering text and a different teacher's version of the same class uses something good, it's all just luck of the draw...<br /><br />HIMSmomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28521158136641355582014-06-12T14:54:19.433-07:002014-06-12T14:54:19.433-07:00@EdVoter - Sorry that wasn't meant to be caval...@EdVoter - Sorry that wasn't meant to be cavalier. I think its a hard problem serving everyone at their level and assembling enough kids to make up a class is part of the issue. The nature of a math class (the fact they are sequential / the lack of teachers etc.) makes it harder to deal with than LA and even the middle school science track to some extent. Walk to math <br />can allow some flexibility but then you hit the same problem of what to do when the kids max out. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Benjamin Leishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90515005484052778712014-06-12T14:31:21.579-07:002014-06-12T14:31:21.579-07:00Hazel Wolf K8 (previously known as JA) is a spectr...Hazel Wolf K8 (previously known as JA) is a spectrum school and does offer differentiation in math. Each level doesn't have a full class of kids, but I believe we have the ability to differentiate up to geometry and do it with a combination of clustering, walk-ups and multigrade groupings. Many kids working a year ahead, a few working 2 years ahead.<br /><br />~ HW MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-31609375079110677552014-06-12T14:29:42.276-07:002014-06-12T14:29:42.276-07:00What's the timing and next steps for changing ...What's the timing and next steps for changing out math curriculum for middle and high school? When does that debate heat up? Any details would be appreciated.Pinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66695515041074066482014-06-12T13:30:24.633-07:002014-06-12T13:30:24.633-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37741557079510375022014-06-12T13:25:01.511-07:002014-06-12T13:25:01.511-07:00@ Ben: I'd beg to differ on your K8 math comme...@ Ben: I'd beg to differ on your K8 math comment. In fact, your comment came off as pretty cavalier.<br /><br />Yes, parents choose K8s knowing a downside is fewer middle school "options." Most parents understand that they will not find the same language, art, music and athletic opportunities as in comprehensive middle schools. But I assure you most parents that I've met expect the core 3, science, LA and math to be up to the differentiation standards of comp middle schools, even if not offered in separate classes, which I agree are not a reality in some of the smaller schools.<br /><br />From what I've seen: Science in K8s more or less marches in step to SPS standards and doesn't seem to systemically suffer in K8 middle school. LA is relatively easily differentiated in the K8s via in-class projects and pacing. <br /><br />That leaves the other core subject, math, which appears to have almost no differentiation in pacing. Perhaps some of these schools do offer that differentiation (beyond special education). If so, I'd like to know about it.<br /><br />If in fact they do not offer differentiation, well that's a substantial problem in my book.<br /><br />Additionally, I looked at the SPS math page and they do not distinguish comprehensive middle school from K8s in their description of math placement. <br /><br />EdVoterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-1811357337426593242014-06-12T12:56:11.429-07:002014-06-12T12:56:11.429-07:00I don't know if it really is a problem for the...I don't know if it really is a problem for the K8's to have less options esp. advanced ones given their cohort sizes and since they're already defined as not offering as broad a set of classes as a comprehensive middle school. Most of these issues are better handled where you can aggregate enough students together to make a normal sized classroom.<br /><br />To Charlie's last point I'm not that interested in equitable access to inferior classes. Not that the district is really interested but we definitely shouldn't start replicating a poorly thought out implementation.Benjamin Leishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47386098325156684212014-06-12T12:53:30.644-07:002014-06-12T12:53:30.644-07:00If you have your kid take an online course, I woul...If you have your kid take an online course, I would recommend that you stay clear of BYU's online geometry class. It is awful. It is like 3 different people wrote it and nothing correlates: video lectures, the book and the tests do not align. My daughter tried to take it and even with a tutor from Sylvan, they couldn't figure it out. She switched to Brightmont Academy where she received credit for the class and she got one on one teaching.<br /><br />HPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-42528193596014661522014-06-12T12:40:14.713-07:002014-06-12T12:40:14.713-07:00For years, HIMS (APP pathway) did not allow 6th gr...For years, HIMS (APP pathway) did not allow 6th graders to take Algebra. My understanding is that two years ago, some 6th graders were officially permitted to take Algebra in 6th grade. They will now be 8th graders, so they need to offer an actual class, not a back of the room independent study. Do I have confirmation that an actual Algebra 2 class is being offered? No. The cohort will be split to JAMS. <br /><br />good luckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87319184285040491872014-06-12T12:34:07.753-07:002014-06-12T12:34:07.753-07:00@northwesterner,
I'm having a retirement part...@northwesterner,<br /><br />I'm having a retirement party for Ted Nutting this Saturday you should stop by. Email me rickbmail@yahoo.com.<br /><br />Yes, those are the books 1991 copyright. These books are tattered. Some of the books at Ingraham have no cover. They have a hard time replacing the books because they are no longer in print.<br /><br />Some of the Roosevelt teachers are using them as well. These books are being hoarded since there are not enough to go around. I just checked on Amazon and the list price for a Unified Book 2 is $185 new and $50 for a used book. <br /> `Linh-Conoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86129497698957940692014-06-12T12:29:37.967-07:002014-06-12T12:29:37.967-07:00- Good luck
"Next year, for the first time s...- Good luck <br />"Next year, for the first time since the first APP split, Hamilton will offer an Algebra 2 class."<br />Are you sure about this? Just because half of the students who could be in Algebra 2 will be gone to JA. And have you heard who will be the teacher?<br />HIMS parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43398298245020118902014-06-12T12:14:39.486-07:002014-06-12T12:14:39.486-07:00Which of these K8 schools do not offer students ad...Which of these K8 schools do not offer students advanced or remedial math placement at middle school? I agree this is an important topic.<br /><br />EdVoter<br /><br />---<br /><br />Broadview-Thompson<br />Catherine Blaine<br />Hazel Wolf (JAK8)<br />Madrona<br />Orca<br />Pathfinder<br />Licton Springs (Pinehurst)<br />Salmon Bay<br />South Shore<br />TOPS<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49915765591468313752014-06-12T11:55:25.944-07:002014-06-12T11:55:25.944-07:00As Ben suggested, taking advanced level math in mi...As Ben suggested, taking advanced level math in middle school can be iffy - the classes are typically not taught at an honors level (it really depends on the teacher), plus you have the Discovering Algebra and Discovering Geometry texts. Being forced to homeschool may turn out for the best.<br /><br />In response to Charlie's comment, it used to be that middle school Geometry was part of the APP pathway. At some point in time, they stated that math was based on ability, so you did not need to qualify for APP or Spectrum in order to accelerate along the math pathway. Before you could argue that the advanced pathway was part of APP, but now? It seems principals are making this decision on a school by school basis, rather than having an enforceable district policy.<br /><br />good luckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36856024350149681592014-06-12T11:34:50.265-07:002014-06-12T11:34:50.265-07:00Here's the point:
At some middle schools stud...Here's the point:<br /><br />At some middle schools students get access to advanced math classes - at least Geometry. At other middle schools the students and their families have to provide the instruction themselves. That's not equitable.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23601897049164574332014-06-12T11:19:50.559-07:002014-06-12T11:19:50.559-07:00I also have seen a lot of positive feedback for th...I also have seen a lot of positive feedback for the also fairly old Algebra: Structure and Method books. I wonder how they compare.<br /><br />BenBenjamin Leishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49124932782890132012014-06-12T10:53:30.689-07:002014-06-12T10:53:30.689-07:00@Linh-Co ...
You reference the Unified Mathematic...@Linh-Co ...<br /><br />You reference the Unified Mathematics series of textbooks.<br /><br />Are these the same books the district adopted in the early 1990s and replaced in 1997 with Integrated Mathematics? Has it been over 20 years since the district has purchased a quality book?<br /><br />northwesternerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-32409116446425755302014-06-12T10:40:53.490-07:002014-06-12T10:40:53.490-07:00@Linh-Co: There's been an unused Discovering ...@Linh-Co: There's been an unused Discovering Algebra Textbook gathering dust in my dining room since the first day of school. I remember seeing stacks and stacks of unused Discovery Math books at TM our fist year there, as well. I wonder how common that is in SPS, while staff fret over the high cost of MIF? WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com