Reply to VA math changes - ways to speak out

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]There's a video on this cite that walks through the initiative:  https://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/mathematics/vmpi/index.shtml#time

It looks like a positive thing. Kids can still take calculus by the end of high school. I don't know what some of you are talking about. VA is modernizing their math curriculum which has been the same damn courses for the past 30+ years. Kids who love STEM but have a particular focus can tailor 1/2 credit modules to fit their interests, which means they will be more engaged in what they're learning. THAT'S HUGE! So now a kid who is interested in computer science can take modules in logic and reasoning and discrete mathmatics. A kid interested in data science can take statistics and data analysis. Or, they can still take calculus if they really want or need to do so. AND, they're still offering AP classes. I don't get why some parents are so up in arms. It sounds great![/quote]

I like the greater variety of offerings in 11th-12th and the idea of introducing statistical concepts earlier.  My main issue with it is this idea that magically, a teacher is now going to be able to appropriately address the needs of students from remedial to gifted all in one classroom, whether it's kindergarten or 10th grade.  That is fantasy land.  Reality is the teacher will have to focus on the students who are below standard.  The students who pick it up quickly end up bored, turned off of math, and probably drafted to be teachers' aides. It seems their solution to not enough URM students being identified as gifted in math is to just not allow anyone to be gifted in math and get an appropriately demanding experience in the subject. That's not equity. I don't mind that my kids would be introduced to algebra in 8th grade (that's when I took it) but I do mind that they would lose their love of math because they are doing the same thing over and over while the teacher tries to get other kids up to speed.  If it's so great to give the quicker kids deeper exploration, then there should be different class sections for the kids who are ready for that depth and a teacher who is actually focused on their needs.

It is also a concern that they are IMO being vague about what they mean about getting to calculus.  Will AP Calculus BC be offered?  Or is it just AB? Kids applying to elite engineering programs should have BC to be competitive. They say, oh, it won't be a disadvantage in applications since students are judged against what's offered at your school. So, fine (maybe?) for admissions but then you show up for college and are in classes with students who have mostly taken BC. Now you are not able to perform at the same level. 
 [/quote]

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