Learning to read analog clock in 3rd grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: MCPS does not teach math. MCPS conducts assessments to record what your child already knew and then takes credit for teaching it.

OK, you've persuaded me. MCPS didn't teach my children anything in math. They already knew all that stuff! Now, could you please explain to me where they learned it? I'd really like to know.

[Anonymous]

Preschool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Preschool.

Really? They're doing long division in preschool these days? And decimals? And multiplying fractions? I wonder how I missed that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS has never taught math. Under the old system, they allowed kids who understood math to move ahead so they weren't bored to death. These kids were either taught at home or talented in math. Under 2.0, kids are no longer allowed to accelerate so they sit there bored.

I think this just it. Teachers don't teach. The "guide" the students to discover themselves. That's why we as a country suck at math.

Oh for heaven's sake. Perhaps you were talented in math and invented differential calculus on your own in fourth grade, in your spare time. As for me, I learned math in public school. Now I work in a quantitative field, and where did everybody I work with, from twenty-somethings to over-60s, learn math? Also in public school. "Teachers don't teach math" indeed.

I don't know how old you are but things really have changed in the last twenty years also. Direct instruction time has gong way down. College professors are noticing that students are less prepared than before. Now some kids are okay because as you said some of them are talented and/or have good support at home. But the kids who really need the direct instruction are missing out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I don't know how old you are but things really have changed in the last twenty years also. Direct instruction time has gong way down. College professors are noticing that students are less prepared than before. Now some kids are okay because as you said some of them are talented and/or have good support at home. But the kids who really need the direct instruction are missing out.

Actually, math scores over the last 20 years, nationwide, have gone up. Not down. Up.

http://nationsreportcard.gov/math_2011/summary.aspx

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: MCPS does not teach math. MCPS conducts assessments to record what your child already knew and then takes credit for teaching it.

OK, you've persuaded me. MCPS didn't teach my children anything in math. They already knew all that stuff! Now, could you please explain to me where they learned it? I'd really like to know.

My daughter is learning tons. I don't supplement at home, so it has to come from somewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I don't know how old you are but things really have changed in the last twenty years also. Direct instruction time has gong way down. College professors are noticing that students are less prepared than before. Now some kids are okay because as you said some of them are talented and/or have good support at home. But the kids who really need the direct instruction are missing out.

Actually, math scores over the last 20 years, nationwide, have gone up. Not down. Up.

http://nationsreportcard.gov/math_2011/summary.aspx

Please don't confuse people with facts.

[Anonymous]

http://online.wsj.com/ad/article/mathscience-rising

I guess we also have to look at the difference-in-difference then.

I don't think math score rising by NAEP and colleges have to have more remedial classes are contradictory. One finding from the international tests is that fewer American students are at the highest scoring ranges, what you needed to succeed in STEM majors in college. Another issue is not everyone goes to college, the average score goes up says nothing about the middle, which is the marginal student at the college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://online.wsj.com/ad/article/mathscience-rising

I guess we also have to look at the difference-in-difference then.

I don't think math score rising by NAEP and colleges have to have more remedial classes are contradictory. One finding from the international tests is that fewer American students are at the highest scoring ranges, what you needed to succeed in STEM majors in college. Another issue is not everyone goes to college, the average score goes up says nothing about the middle, which is the marginal student at the college.

So many more kids are going to college now days; I think that's most of it.

[Anonymous]

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/hsgec.nr0.htm

About two thirds of high school graduates go to college.

And I believe only 78% high school students graduate nationwide. Some will have GED later though.

70.1% of 2009 high school graduates enrolled in college. Historically, 76% of those who graduate in the lower 40% of their high school class will not obtain a college degree.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_education_in_the_United_States

The DC suburbs MOCO in particular does send more kids to college. But no, that is not the case for the whole country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://www.bls.gov/news.release/hsgec.nr0.htm

About two thirds of high school graduates go to college.

And I believe only 78% high school students graduate nationwide. Some will have GED later though.

70.1% of 2009 high school graduates enrolled in college. Historically, 76% of those who graduate in the lower 40% of their high school class will not obtain a college degree.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_education_in_the_United_States

The DC suburbs MOCO in particular does send more kids to college. But no, that is not the case for the whole country.

Take a look at this chart: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2010/ted_20100428.htm

College enrollment rate has gone from ~50% in the mid 80's to over 70% now. That's a HUGE difference. Plus there are simply more kids. I find it hard to believe that this hasn't led to many more kids who aren't as prepared.