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[quote=Anonymous][quote]Why is math so different than reading and writing? If differentiation is allowed (albeit in the same classroom) for these skills, why does math have to be treated differently?[/quote]

ES teachers are better trained to evaluate and coach reading and writing. Their education degrees do not prepare them very well for math or science. Most individuals who gravitate toward teaching are not the analytical, math or science types. You have a serious skill deficiency and professional development cost if a school system wants to get serious about treating math equal to reading/writing. Private schools counter this by having a dedicated Math or Science teacher. This is someone who has a background in these fields and a teaching degree. MCPS has consistently been cutting back on what they call Specials or teachers with focus. The expectation is that one teacher does everything, with no or few aides.

Acceleration in reading and writing requires fewer resources and the upper groups are more independent and student led with teacher as coach. DD is in the higher reading/writing groups and she does this independently with feedback from the teacher rather than significant instruction. If the kids are going to break up into reading groups anyway, it really doesn't make a staffing/resource difference if one group reads an lower level and one group reads a higher level.

Math instruction in MCPS is teacher led..ie teacher up at the prometheus board doing examples, explaining concepts, and articulating the instructions (how to do it i whichever way they have chosen for that day and instructions). In order to allow acceleration in this model, more teaching staff need to be assigned to give different work to different group.

No math acceleration is driven by the desire to close the achievement gap by not documenting the higher %, reduce costs by limiting instruction, and align with the existing workforce rather than change to meet the changing world and economy.[/quote]

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