MCPS is like a Hydra–it’s hard to keep track of all those writhing heads. Case in point, that fave of mine, the K-12 Mathematics Joint Work Group. And what have they been up to? Listening to “experts.” Here’s the summary from the October 29, 2009 meeting.
“The workgroup members saw a videotaped presentation by William Schmidt, professor at Michigan State University and the National Research Coordinator and Executive Director of the National Center which oversees U.S. participation in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Dr. Schmidt proposed any examination of mathematics should focus on three principals: coherence, rigor, and focus. When available members of the workgroup participated in a teleconference with Dr. Schmidt, the recommendation Dr. Schmidt gave for “What should MCPS do right now?” were-
- Stop acceleration, because it is tracking;
- Identify the best teachers and make sure they are teaching algebra, and;
- Focus on Focus (meaning K–2 focus on number sense, 3–5 focus on fractions, 5–8 focus on algebra concepts and geometry concepts, then have Grade 9 for Algebra I).
Workgroup members discussed Dr. Schmidt’s comments and reflected that his comments illustrate what a complex task the workgroup is attempting to accomplish. Parallels were drawn between current work and the revision of the literacy curriculum when Dr. Weast first arrived in MCPS. The workgroup is looking at numeracy learning in the same way. It is complex and difficult but not beyond capacity….
Whoa Nelly! “Stop acceleration, because it is tracking?”
Where is MCPS finding these people? As if talks from Glenn E. Singleton weren’t enough, we now have someone perpetuating this kind of inflammatory nonsense. Acceleration is not tracking. Now people can (and do) complain that some demographic groups are not adequately represented in accelerated classes. But that is not “tracking.” Did anyone on the committee speak up to provide much needed clarification? If so, the burden would seem to fall on Marty Creel, Director of the Department of Enriched and Innovative Programs. He’s the only person on the committee with any kind of GT perspective. But we really don’t know.
Ok, where’s the rigor?