Reply to PSA MCPS math warning

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Yes, it's the MS math sequence under 2.0.  Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II are weak on symbolic computation.  Even something as simple as rationalizing a denominator, is [b]explicitly forbidden[/b] by the curriculum even in Algebra II.  I guess this is considered too pedantic, but it's the sort of practice that is needed for radicals to become second nature.  Instead there is lots of examining graphs and qualitative work.  But a qualitative understanding isn't of much use to someone who never develops a muscle memory for computation.

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse since I said something similar in another thread, but MCPS math actually doesn't begin until pre-calc.  Unfortunately, it's sink or swim at that point, because suddenly all these un-practiced skills are expected to be solid.  Which means a lot of material crammed into one year.   [/quote]

Interesting about rationalizing the radical.  Will have to ask my kids at the TP magnet.  So far, I think we have done pretty well w/ math despite 2.0.  I do not get why doing something 3 ways and talking about = greater understanding. Sometimes repetition leads to greater understanding, and they get little of that.  I have noticed that many worksheets leave little room to "show your work."  I am a big fan of working problems in steps -- that's how you understand them, not by talking about them.  But my youngest works an algebra problem condensing 3 steps into 1 w/o showing what she is doing to each side of the equation to keep balance.  I think that is the way to understand math.

And, the math on the middle school test (at least up until this year) is completely opposite of what MCPS teaches.  If a kid takes time and does thing 5 different ways, they run out of time on the test. (I also have issues w/ that test, & I'm glad they ditched it -- the HS math test made much more sense).

Anyway, I think my kids are well prepared in math b/c they have had amazing teachers (even in HGC, the teacher augmented and add a lot).  My kids did have to learn times tables I think to 16 and powers (memorized).  And, now in TP magnet, it has been rigorous (though I wish the used more steps to mentally solidify what they are doing to an equation & why -- that's the why, not writing a paragraph)!!![/quote]

I agree getting kids to write out their steps concisely is a challenge as it takes some maturity to appreciate.  I don't doubt that the magnets are a good preparation, but there are 36,000 middle schoolers in MCPS and what 600 magnet math students?  My oldest had an excellent HGC math teacher but went the humanities route.  She's never been excited about math but she's a hard worker and completely capable.  Since passing through the CC math sequence she's had a lot of catching up to do.  A lot of MCPS students are being underserved by this curriculum.[/quote]

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