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[quote=Anonymous]Below is the relevant topic from the newsletter. I have no idea where the PP came up with the idea that they are spreading false info about VMPI.

Virginia to Update Math Standards of Learning (SOLs) — Public Comment Requested    
 
Virginia’s Department of Education (VDOE) will update its Math Standards of Learning (SOLs) in 2023 as part of its regular seven-year revision cycle. SOLs:
determine what topics will be covered in each grade,
dictate the standards (local school districts then create courses to meet them), and
were last updated in 2016 for math and remain in effect today.
In the 2016 math revision, VA adopted many of the ideas of Common Core, which generally:
slowed down the progression through VA’s math curriculum,
delayed the timetable for fact & procedural fluency, and
increased emphasis on conceptual understanding & applications. 
The Northam VDOE had intended to use the 2023 SOL revision to implement the Virginia Math Pathways Initiative (VMPI), which would have ended Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II and replaced them with blended math courses that all students in Grades 8-10 would take. Governor Youngkin’s recent Executive Order ended VMPI. VDOE is asking for public feedback as it begins to revise the SOLs. Given the recent change away from VMPI and with VDOE reopening its planning, this is an excellent opportunity to convey your views on math instruction.
 
Certainly, the ideas raised during the VMPI debate are relevant. Some pertinent questions included:
how best to incorporate more data analysis and statistics into the math curriculum,
whether the Algebra I-to-Calculus pathway should be abolished or maintained, and
whether only one pathway or multiple pathways should be offered for students in grades 6-10.
However, public comment is also a venue for sharing broader ideas on how to increase the quality of math instruction for all students, including exploring:
the role of teacher-led instruction versus student discovery learning,
the optimal balance between fact & procedural fluency and  conceptual & applied learning, and
whether math classes should center around math applications & group projects or whether applications should occur within other curricular subjects.
Public comment on the upcoming math SOL revision is open until February 28. We encourage you to fill out the VDOE math SOL survey or email VDOE directly at vdoe.mathematics@doe.virginia.gov to share your views on this important topic.  
 
As the planning process appears to be starting with the new administration, we hope that VDOE will be particularly open to hearing what parents want. For what it is worth, here are some comments for your consideration:
We believe that students are best served when they have a choice of multiple math pathways. Students with STEM interests should have access to the Algebra I – Calculus pathway, while students interested in statistics & data analysis should have that pathway available as well.  Data science/statistics electives should be offered early in high school to help students determine if they want to pursue a statistics pathway and to equip them with the skills needed to produce high quality science and social science research projects.
There should also be more emphasis on building a strong base of math skills for younger students through the greater use of teacher-led instruction, physical textbooks, and emphasis on fact & procedural fluency. Once a solid skill base is built, applications and problem-solving are more productive. We are seeing a similar shift in view on language arts, where there is a growing recognition of the need to first build a strong reading base with phonics before branching out into other literacy areas. By forming a strong skill base in the early years, students will be best positioned to take advantage of the rich curricular pathways available to them in high school and beyond.

And here is the full newsletter:

https://mailchi.mp/1b6485179c66/arlingtonparentsforeducation-13725742?e=ad61583d3e

These APE-hater trolls are sad. [/quote]

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