VMPI-ways to speak out

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I'm one of the people referenced in the first page of posts who thought it sounded so crazy I didn't believe it. I appreciate all the links and info which I'm checking out now.

My 5th grader just moved into advanced math this year (doing the 6th grade curriculum and essentially skipping 5th grade math) and I've never seen him as engaged or excited about math. It is the first thing he tells me about each day. It would be a shame if this isn't an option any more for kids who are ready for it.

I don't see why everyone has to be in one class for the kids who are less quick with math skills to be challenged. It sounds like they want to push the lower end harder than they need to be pushed and hold back the kids who are quicker with it. Are they doing this for reading skills as well?

Please share this proposed change with anyone who will listen, particularly neighbors and families who are empty nesters or seniors.

Share with anyone who votes in Virginia.

This destruction of education standards cannot continue.

Imagine what education in Virginia will look like with 2 more years of this type of nonsense.

Yes, god forbid if more kids are doing well and not just the privileged UMC kids.

That's assuming this proposal will encourage more kids to do well.

The general consensus at least here is that it won't help in that regard.

Based on what? Speculation?

In the VA schools forum there's some studies people are pointing to that rip the ideas of the VMPI to shreds. Check there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I'm one of the people referenced in the first page of posts who thought it sounded so crazy I didn't believe it. I appreciate all the links and info which I'm checking out now.

My 5th grader just moved into advanced math this year (doing the 6th grade curriculum and essentially skipping 5th grade math) and I've never seen him as engaged or excited about math. It is the first thing he tells me about each day. It would be a shame if this isn't an option any more for kids who are ready for it.

I don't see why everyone has to be in one class for the kids who are less quick with math skills to be challenged. It sounds like they want to push the lower end harder than they need to be pushed and hold back the kids who are quicker with it. Are they doing this for reading skills as well?

Please share this proposed change with anyone who will listen, particularly neighbors and families who are empty nesters or seniors.

Share with anyone who votes in Virginia.

This destruction of education standards cannot continue.

Imagine what education in Virginia will look like with 2 more years of this type of nonsense.

Yes, god forbid if more kids are doing well and not just the privileged UMC kids.

That's assuming this proposal will encourage more kids to do well.

The general consensus at least here is that it won't help in that regard.

Based on what? Speculation?

In the VA schools forum there's some studies people are pointing to that rip the ideas of the VMPI to shreds. Check there.

The one that Stanford deemed baseless? OK...

[Anonymous]

There's also lots of talk in FCPS MS and HS about making ALL course Honors courses...again for "equity." {sigh}

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's also lots of talk in FCPS MS and HS about making ALL course Honors courses...again for "equity." {sigh}

Is that different than the new single diploma thing? How does that even make sense? Does everyone get the GPA bump then?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I'm one of the people referenced in the first page of posts who thought it sounded so crazy I didn't believe it. I appreciate all the links and info which I'm checking out now.

My 5th grader just moved into advanced math this year (doing the 6th grade curriculum and essentially skipping 5th grade math) and I've never seen him as engaged or excited about math. It is the first thing he tells me about each day. It would be a shame if this isn't an option any more for kids who are ready for it.

I don't see why everyone has to be in one class for the kids who are less quick with math skills to be challenged. It sounds like they want to push the lower end harder than they need to be pushed and hold back the kids who are quicker with it. Are they doing this for reading skills as well?

Please share this proposed change with anyone who will listen, particularly neighbors and families who are empty nesters or seniors.

Share with anyone who votes in Virginia.

This destruction of education standards cannot continue.

Imagine what education in Virginia will look like with 2 more years of this type of nonsense.

Yes, god forbid if more kids are doing well and not just the privileged UMC kids.

Lowering standards by significant amounts because the VA department of education does not believe in the promise or capabilites of minority children does nothing to help any child to reach their potential and is the opposite of the equity they claim to believe in.

Remember the fence drawing?

Equity means giving those kids the tools and resources to see over the fence.

It does not mean making making everyone lay on the ground then sawing down the fence so everyone reaches the same low standards.

If the VA department of education and the politicians who appointed them and set their goals do not believe in the potential of all of our students, including minority students, to rise to their full potential, and don't support giving all students in Virginia a world class education, including poor and minority children, then they do not deserve to serve another minute in office.

There is nothing more racist than assuming that because of their skin tone, children are not capable of performing at their full potential unless you lower standards for everyone else.

It's not LOWERING the standards - it's helping more kids reach the standards. Your UMC kids will still fully meet the standards.

You don't have kids or work in education in Virginia, do you?

It is most certainly lowering the standards.

Algebra 2 does not happen until 11th grade. They will not have completed or learned the lowest skill set on the SATs until after they take the SATs.

In fcps, Algebra 1 is taken in 6th-7th for the advanced kids, with geometry in 7th or 8th, and Algebra 2 in 8th or 9th. These kids are in calculis their sophomore or junior year, multivariable calculus in 11th or 12th. The new LOWERED standards eliminate the advanced math track entirely. China must be laughing with glee of the dems plan to destroy what is left of our math curriculum.


Middle of the road kids take Algebra 1 in 8th grade, geometry in 9th and Algebra 2 in 10th. The new LOWERED math standards eliminates the middle track and puts everyone on the exact same remedial track.

At our fcps high school, these new LOWERED standards negatively impact most of the students, including a lot of minority students, because the VA department of education does not believe in the capablitites of kids who have darker skin or speak with an accent. The lower standards negatively imlacts all of the students, including the students they claim to be creating the lower standards for. It is disgusting to dismantle and lower the state math curriculum under the mantle of helping minority kids, because the VA department of education does not believe in their potential to achieve greatness in academics.

[Anonymous]

Complaining here does nothing. I called my Delegate's office and the staffer clearly new nothing about the plan and just repeated two bullets of information. I said -- the plan seems to eliminate all tracking and honors courses. If you understand differently, please let me know. And if that is the case, please ask the Delegate (also the Speaker) if she supports the elimination of honors classes across the state. Waiting to hear back.

My State Senator asked me to tell him more about the proposal.

I asked our principal how it would effect AAP and she didn't even understand the question. It seemed like she was either out of the loop or ducking.

You need to call your reps. The VA DOE is moving this without explaining the implications to elected officials.

https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Complaining here does nothing. I called my Delegate's office and the staffer clearly new nothing about the plan and just repeated two bullets of information. I said -- the plan seems to eliminate all tracking and honors courses. If you understand differently, please let me know. And if that is the case, please ask the Delegate (also the Speaker) if she supports the elimination of honors classes across the state. Waiting to hear back.

My State Senator asked me to tell him more about the proposal.

I asked our principal how it would effect AAP and she didn't even understand the question. It seemed like she was either out of the loop or ducking.

You need to call your reps. The VA DOE is moving this without explaining the implications to elected officials.

https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

The VA DOE is doing this because they are following the priorities of the blue administration.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I'm one of the people referenced in the first page of posts who thought it sounded so crazy I didn't believe it. I appreciate all the links and info which I'm checking out now.

My 5th grader just moved into advanced math this year (doing the 6th grade curriculum and essentially skipping 5th grade math) and I've never seen him as engaged or excited about math. It is the first thing he tells me about each day. It would be a shame if this isn't an option any more for kids who are ready for it.

I don't see why everyone has to be in one class for the kids who are less quick with math skills to be challenged. It sounds like they want to push the lower end harder than they need to be pushed and hold back the kids who are quicker with it. Are they doing this for reading skills as well?

Please share this proposed change with anyone who will listen, particularly neighbors and families who are empty nesters or seniors.

Share with anyone who votes in Virginia.

This destruction of education standards cannot continue.

Imagine what education in Virginia will look like with 2 more years of this type of nonsense.

Yes, god forbid if more kids are doing well and not just the privileged UMC kids.

Lowering standards by significant amounts because the VA department of education does not believe in the promise or capabilites of minority children does nothing to help any child to reach their potential and is the opposite of the equity they claim to believe in.

Remember the fence drawing?

Equity means giving those kids the tools and resources to see over the fence.

It does not mean making making everyone lay on the ground then sawing down the fence so everyone reaches the same low standards.

If the VA department of education and the politicians who appointed them and set their goals do not believe in the potential of all of our students, including minority students, to rise to their full potential, and don't support giving all students in Virginia a world class education, including poor and minority children, then they do not deserve to serve another minute in office.

There is nothing more racist than assuming that because of their skin tone, children are not capable of performing at their full potential unless you lower standards for everyone else.

It's not LOWERING the standards - it's helping more kids reach the standards. Your UMC kids will still fully meet the standards.

You don't have kids or work in education in Virginia, do you?

It is most certainly lowering the standards.

Algebra 2 does not happen until 11th grade. They will not have completed or learned the lowest skill set on the SATs until after they take the SATs.

In fcps, Algebra 1 is taken in 6th-7th for the advanced kids, with geometry in 7th or 8th, and Algebra 2 in 8th or 9th. These kids are in calculis their sophomore or junior year, multivariable calculus in 11th or 12th. The new LOWERED standards eliminate the advanced math track entirely. China must be laughing with glee of the dems plan to destroy what is left of our math curriculum.


Middle of the road kids take Algebra 1 in 8th grade, geometry in 9th and Algebra 2 in 10th. The new LOWERED math standards eliminates the middle track and puts everyone on the exact same remedial track.

At our fcps high school, these new LOWERED standards negatively impact most of the students, including a lot of minority students, because the VA department of education does not believe in the capablitites of kids who have darker skin or speak with an accent. The lower standards negatively imlacts all of the students, including the students they claim to be creating the lower standards for. It is disgusting to dismantle and lower the state math curriculum under the mantle of helping minority kids, because the VA department of education does not believe in their potential to achieve greatness in academics.

That is not LOWERING the standards. That is slowing down the acceleration BEYOND the standards.

Your kid will be fine taking AP Calculus their senior year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I'm one of the people referenced in the first page of posts who thought it sounded so crazy I didn't believe it. I appreciate all the links and info which I'm checking out now.

My 5th grader just moved into advanced math this year (doing the 6th grade curriculum and essentially skipping 5th grade math) and I've never seen him as engaged or excited about math. It is the first thing he tells me about each day. It would be a shame if this isn't an option any more for kids who are ready for it.

I don't see why everyone has to be in one class for the kids who are less quick with math skills to be challenged. It sounds like they want to push the lower end harder than they need to be pushed and hold back the kids who are quicker with it. Are they doing this for reading skills as well?

Please share this proposed change with anyone who will listen, particularly neighbors and families who are empty nesters or seniors.

Share with anyone who votes in Virginia.

This destruction of education standards cannot continue.

Imagine what education in Virginia will look like with 2 more years of this type of nonsense.

Yes, god forbid if more kids are doing well and not just the privileged UMC kids.

Lowering standards by significant amounts because the VA department of education does not believe in the promise or capabilites of minority children does nothing to help any child to reach their potential and is the opposite of the equity they claim to believe in.

Remember the fence drawing?

Equity means giving those kids the tools and resources to see over the fence.

It does not mean making making everyone lay on the ground then sawing down the fence so everyone reaches the same low standards.

If the VA department of education and the politicians who appointed them and set their goals do not believe in the potential of all of our students, including minority students, to rise to their full potential, and don't support giving all students in Virginia a world class education, including poor and minority children, then they do not deserve to serve another minute in office.

There is nothing more racist than assuming that because of their skin tone, children are not capable of performing at their full potential unless you lower standards for everyone else.

It's not LOWERING the standards - it's helping more kids reach the standards. Your UMC kids will still fully meet the standards.

You don't have kids or work in education in Virginia, do you?

It is most certainly lowering the standards.

Algebra 2 does not happen until 11th grade. They will not have completed or learned the lowest skill set on the SATs until after they take the SATs.

In fcps, Algebra 1 is taken in 6th-7th for the advanced kids, with geometry in 7th or 8th, and Algebra 2 in 8th or 9th. These kids are in calculis their sophomore or junior year, multivariable calculus in 11th or 12th. The new LOWERED standards eliminate the advanced math track entirely. China must be laughing with glee of the dems plan to destroy what is left of our math curriculum.


Middle of the road kids take Algebra 1 in 8th grade, geometry in 9th and Algebra 2 in 10th. The new LOWERED math standards eliminates the middle track and puts everyone on the exact same remedial track.

At our fcps high school, these new LOWERED standards negatively impact most of the students, including a lot of minority students, because the VA department of education does not believe in the capablitites of kids who have darker skin or speak with an accent. The lower standards negatively imlacts all of the students, including the students they claim to be creating the lower standards for. It is disgusting to dismantle and lower the state math curriculum under the mantle of helping minority kids, because the VA department of education does not believe in their potential to achieve greatness in academics.

That is not LOWERING the standards. That is slowing down the acceleration BEYOND the standards.

Your kid will be fine taking AP Calculus their senior year.

You don't have kids, obviously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Is there a middle of the road option? Republicans tend to gut public education and push for privatization which I don’t want. But I’m really hating all the social warriors who are demolishing options and realistic solutions in the name of “equity.”

Yeah - I feel like there's a couple things that could be pulled from VMPI that could be really beneficial:
-Offer new math options for 11th/12th grade; those who don't want to take calc (or want to take something in addition) get some options
-Focus on teaching methods that help students internalize concepts over rote memorization, especially in younger grades.
-Focus on communicating to students why this math matters in the real world.

And at the same time:
-Keep ability grouping/accelerated/honors math courses as options. There are a ton of kids in VA who take advantage of these and do well, so it's not like it's too few kids to be worth serving.
-Allow open enrollment in those accelerated/honors courses, or ability to test-in. Kids shouldn't be kept out if they want to try (teacher unconcious bias can impact racial minorities if teachers are gatekeepers on these courses.) But at the same time, the teaching pace shouldn't be slowed, and kids should be allowed to fail if they can't keep pace.
-Offer after-school tutoring and transportation for kids who either need more instruction or would like to cover additional content (so they can hop on to an accelerated track if they're a late bloomer.)
-Offer free summer school options for students in math topics for any reason (not just the kids who failed - the kids who would like to catch up/hop on to an accelerated tracks.)
-Provide a path to calc that is at least as rigorous as what kids have now (instead of, you must repeat topics over and over again in grade school, but you somehow have to learn all of Alg 2 and all of Trig and all of precalc in one year.)

No, no no! I'm a math teacher, and more rote memorization is needed. It's already stimatized enough.

[Anonymous]

Where does this idea that memorization in math is bad??? I don't care if you have a calculator in your pocket, you need to memorize basic math facts and basic formulas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I'm one of the people referenced in the first page of posts who thought it sounded so crazy I didn't believe it. I appreciate all the links and info which I'm checking out now.

My 5th grader just moved into advanced math this year (doing the 6th grade curriculum and essentially skipping 5th grade math) and I've never seen him as engaged or excited about math. It is the first thing he tells me about each day. It would be a shame if this isn't an option any more for kids who are ready for it.

I don't see why everyone has to be in one class for the kids who are less quick with math skills to be challenged. It sounds like they want to push the lower end harder than they need to be pushed and hold back the kids who are quicker with it. Are they doing this for reading skills as well?

Please share this proposed change with anyone who will listen, particularly neighbors and families who are empty nesters or seniors.

Share with anyone who votes in Virginia.

This destruction of education standards cannot continue.

Imagine what education in Virginia will look like with 2 more years of this type of nonsense.

Yes, god forbid if more kids are doing well and not just the privileged UMC kids.

Lowering standards by significant amounts because the VA department of education does not believe in the promise or capabilites of minority children does nothing to help any child to reach their potential and is the opposite of the equity they claim to believe in.

Remember the fence drawing?

Equity means giving those kids the tools and resources to see over the fence.

It does not mean making making everyone lay on the ground then sawing down the fence so everyone reaches the same low standards.

If the VA department of education and the politicians who appointed them and set their goals do not believe in the potential of all of our students, including minority students, to rise to their full potential, and don't support giving all students in Virginia a world class education, including poor and minority children, then they do not deserve to serve another minute in office.

There is nothing more racist than assuming that because of their skin tone, children are not capable of performing at their full potential unless you lower standards for everyone else.

It's not LOWERING the standards - it's helping more kids reach the standards. Your UMC kids will still fully meet the standards.

You don't have kids or work in education in Virginia, do you?

It is most certainly lowering the standards.

Algebra 2 does not happen until 11th grade. They will not have completed or learned the lowest skill set on the SATs until after they take the SATs.

In fcps, Algebra 1 is taken in 6th-7th for the advanced kids, with geometry in 7th or 8th, and Algebra 2 in 8th or 9th. These kids are in calculis their sophomore or junior year, multivariable calculus in 11th or 12th. The new LOWERED standards eliminate the advanced math track entirely. China must be laughing with glee of the dems plan to destroy what is left of our math curriculum.


Middle of the road kids take Algebra 1 in 8th grade, geometry in 9th and Algebra 2 in 10th. The new LOWERED math standards eliminates the middle track and puts everyone on the exact same remedial track.

At our fcps high school, these new LOWERED standards negatively impact most of the students, including a lot of minority students, because the VA department of education does not believe in the capablitites of kids who have darker skin or speak with an accent. The lower standards negatively imlacts all of the students, including the students they claim to be creating the lower standards for. It is disgusting to dismantle and lower the state math curriculum under the mantle of helping minority kids, because the VA department of education does not believe in their potential to achieve greatness in academics.

That is not LOWERING the standards. That is slowing down the acceleration BEYOND the standards.

Your kid will be fine taking AP Calculus their senior year.

You don't have kids, obviously.

I have two, both gifted. One exceptionally in math. And personally I have two STEM degrees and work in STEM.

My kids will be fine to have a slightly slower rat race. AP Calc in senior year is reasonable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I'm one of the people referenced in the first page of posts who thought it sounded so crazy I didn't believe it. I appreciate all the links and info which I'm checking out now.

My 5th grader just moved into advanced math this year (doing the 6th grade curriculum and essentially skipping 5th grade math) and I've never seen him as engaged or excited about math. It is the first thing he tells me about each day. It would be a shame if this isn't an option any more for kids who are ready for it.

I don't see why everyone has to be in one class for the kids who are less quick with math skills to be challenged. It sounds like they want to push the lower end harder than they need to be pushed and hold back the kids who are quicker with it. Are they doing this for reading skills as well?

Please share this proposed change with anyone who will listen, particularly neighbors and families who are empty nesters or seniors.

Share with anyone who votes in Virginia.

This destruction of education standards cannot continue.

Imagine what education in Virginia will look like with 2 more years of this type of nonsense.

Yes, god forbid if more kids are doing well and not just the privileged UMC kids.

Lowering standards by significant amounts because the VA department of education does not believe in the promise or capabilites of minority children does nothing to help any child to reach their potential and is the opposite of the equity they claim to believe in.

Remember the fence drawing?

Equity means giving those kids the tools and resources to see over the fence.

It does not mean making making everyone lay on the ground then sawing down the fence so everyone reaches the same low standards.

If the VA department of education and the politicians who appointed them and set their goals do not believe in the potential of all of our students, including minority students, to rise to their full potential, and don't support giving all students in Virginia a world class education, including poor and minority children, then they do not deserve to serve another minute in office.

There is nothing more racist than assuming that because of their skin tone, children are not capable of performing at their full potential unless you lower standards for everyone else.

It's not LOWERING the standards - it's helping more kids reach the standards. Your UMC kids will still fully meet the standards.

You don't have kids or work in education in Virginia, do you?

It is most certainly lowering the standards.

Algebra 2 does not happen until 11th grade. They will not have completed or learned the lowest skill set on the SATs until after they take the SATs.

In fcps, Algebra 1 is taken in 6th-7th for the advanced kids, with geometry in 7th or 8th, and Algebra 2 in 8th or 9th. These kids are in calculis their sophomore or junior year, multivariable calculus in 11th or 12th. The new LOWERED standards eliminate the advanced math track entirely. China must be laughing with glee of the dems plan to destroy what is left of our math curriculum.


Middle of the road kids take Algebra 1 in 8th grade, geometry in 9th and Algebra 2 in 10th. The new LOWERED math standards eliminates the middle track and puts everyone on the exact same remedial track.

At our fcps high school, these new LOWERED standards negatively impact most of the students, including a lot of minority students, because the VA department of education does not believe in the capablitites of kids who have darker skin or speak with an accent. The lower standards negatively imlacts all of the students, including the students they claim to be creating the lower standards for. It is disgusting to dismantle and lower the state math curriculum under the mantle of helping minority kids, because the VA department of education does not believe in their potential to achieve greatness in academics.

That is not LOWERING the standards. That is slowing down the acceleration BEYOND the standards.

Your kid will be fine taking AP Calculus their senior year.

Do you not care at all about our country? Having some of our students, who are mathematically inclined, take AP calculus before their senior year is a good thing - for all of us. I agree that all mathematically inclined kids are not being identified and offered the opportunity to accelerate. So focus on that. Dont try to take away a very good thing for the individual student and the society at large for no good reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Complaining here does nothing. I called my Delegate's office and the staffer clearly new nothing about the plan and just repeated two bullets of information. I said -- the plan seems to eliminate all tracking and honors courses. If you understand differently, please let me know. And if that is the case, please ask the Delegate (also the Speaker) if she supports the elimination of honors classes across the state. Waiting to hear back.

My State Senator asked me to tell him more about the proposal.

I asked our principal how it would effect AAP and she didn't even understand the question. It seemed like she was either out of the loop or ducking.

You need to call your reps. The VA DOE is moving this without explaining the implications to elected officials.

https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

The VA DOE is doing this because they are following the priorities of the blue administration.

Math Pathways Initiatives are happening all across the US, including in red states like Indiana, Utah, Tennessee, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Is there a middle of the road option? Republicans tend to gut public education and push for privatization which I don’t want. But I’m really hating all the social warriors who are demolishing options and realistic solutions in the name of “equity.”

Yeah - I feel like there's a couple things that could be pulled from VMPI that could be really beneficial:
-Offer new math options for 11th/12th grade; those who don't want to take calc (or want to take something in addition) get some options
-Focus on teaching methods that help students internalize concepts over rote memorization, especially in younger grades.
-Focus on communicating to students why this math matters in the real world.

And at the same time:
-Keep ability grouping/accelerated/honors math courses as options. There are a ton of kids in VA who take advantage of these and do well, so it's not like it's too few kids to be worth serving.
-Allow open enrollment in those accelerated/honors courses, or ability to test-in. Kids shouldn't be kept out if they want to try (teacher unconcious bias can impact racial minorities if teachers are gatekeepers on these courses.) But at the same time, the teaching pace shouldn't be slowed, and kids should be allowed to fail if they can't keep pace.
-Offer after-school tutoring and transportation for kids who either need more instruction or would like to cover additional content (so they can hop on to an accelerated track if they're a late bloomer.)
-Offer free summer school options for students in math topics for any reason (not just the kids who failed - the kids who would like to catch up/hop on to an accelerated tracks.)
-Provide a path to calc that is at least as rigorous as what kids have now (instead of, you must repeat topics over and over again in grade school, but you somehow have to learn all of Alg 2 and all of Trig and all of precalc in one year.)

No, no no! I'm a math teacher, and more rote memorization is needed. It's already stimatized enough.

More memorization is clearly needed here. We are new to the county and it is crazy how many kids in 5th grade math don't know their multiplication and division facts, or simple math partners that my kids learned in K/1st grade. My kids was shocked they are able to use calculators on tests here.