Reply to VMPI-ways to speak out

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This is all so crazy to me. I work to help R&D companies bring talented STEM candidates into their operations. They have a hard time finding qualified candidates many times (very specific biotech fields). US students are already struggling to compete so WHY do this?

Crushed to see that VA is implementing the Cliff's Notes version of math in our public schools. [/quote]

AP calculus & IB are cliffs notes? 
[/quote]

Not giving proper attention and coverage of foundational materials is Cliff's Notes. Cutting and pasting Algebra/Geometry topics into random formats is Cliff's Notes. Rushing kids through years 7-10 of single level, hodge-podge math is Cliff's Notes, and poor planning. It is not preparing kids for AP Calculus. [/quote]

The whole point is to not rush through. You are speculating. 
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Can you just for a second listen to people who are going to really work with the math/science kids?  Look at any PhD program in the country. Our kids are not as strong in math as other countries. Part of the reason is that kids from other countries learn math early and practice practice practice. By the time they get to the first year of a physics PhD program, they know how to use math as a tool. Our kids are still learning. Please understand that slowing everyone down is really not a good option for anyone.  This is the problem with STEM education in the country. It’s designed by those who know “pedagogy” but not the subject. It’s downright infuriating. [/quote]

So with 7 years of college-level math (1 AP + 4 yrs BS + 2 yrs MS) they can’t figure it out?  :roll: 
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You can be dismissive if you want. But you have to build year after year, going back over concepts and deepening understanding. And we need to build from algebra principles as soon as kids are ready. For some it’s as early as 7th grade.  You shape your brain as you grow around algebra. It will the be as obvious to you as arithmetic. That’s what we are going for. [/quote]

So 8 years is that magic number to master it? 9?  :roll:

Maybe our kids are struggling because their foundational skills aren’t there. Maybe the “how” they are learning is important. [/quote]

Again, you can dismiss those who use these skills for a living.  I don't know what the right number of years is for every kid.  I do think that kids that can access the material early, should.   And trying to force math kids to work at the level of their peers is just insanity - it will bore then and they won't get "foundational skill" or whatever you are imagining.  As far as foundational skills goes - the way we teach younger grades sucks.  Success is those classes is based on speed and arithmetic skills which is just not what drives whether someone will be better at higher math.  Give those kids who can handle it exposure early and often to complex math concepts.  Its what other countries do - asian countries for sure.  But also the europeans.   If kids can't access those skills, thats totally fine.  How many math/science kids at the peak of their disciplines do we really need?  We need a math-informed populace.  But only some are going to want to go any further, and that is absolutely fine.  Great, even.[/quote]

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