by Cheryl Pflug
“…. Our math program isn’t working.
The biggest problem is that the curriculum isn’t working. Washington schools use the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics approach, which is weak in basic computational skills. When students don’t get the basics, they fail in more advanced courses. Sad to say, they also conclude, “I’m not good in math.”
Since U.S. schools adopted NCTM standards, student math scores have plummeted nationwide. It’s lucky that savvy states such as Massachusetts, Indiana and California dumped NCTM in favor of internationally accepted standards, because students in those programs are preferred hands down by college admissions deans and employers. Washington policymakers should follow their example.
Bergeson, who did her doctoral work with NCTM, and others continue to defend it — despite the lack of effective curriculum. …”
Read more in the Seattle PI
