Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't feel reassured at all, I just feel like they are waiting for the hysteria to die down and they will present the same exact thing again with slightly different words.

If they try it again, I'm sure someone will alert the community and the same reaction will play out again.

They are only backfracking now because of the election in November


After the dems win the state offices again, it is full speed ahead on this plan.

The dept of ed is just buying time to get through the election. After the dems win they can do whatever they want no matter what parents or math teachers want.

It’s very hard for Rs to sell the impression that they would take math education more seriously than their opponents while they meet at Liberty University.

Nice try.

Virginia had a world class education system when the state was run by Rs.

Since the fcps school board became democratic dominated, the fcps achievement gap between the haves and havs nots has grown tremendously. When Rs and centrist were in charge of the school board, all of the high schools were quality schools with high achievement.

The farther left the school board goes, the more segregated the district becomes and the chasm between schools like Lewis, Justice and Mt Vernon and schools in the rest of the county only grows deeper.

Just looking at results and outcome, a far left school board without a single voice of dissent and only one moderate (McLaughlin) has been very, very bad for the district and the students.

I don’t like to politicize the schools/school board and am an independent, but like it or not, this PP is spot on. FCPS was clearly better off for ALL when it was in the hands of a politically mixed school board.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't feel reassured at all, I just feel like they are waiting for the hysteria to die down and they will present the same exact thing again with slightly different words.

If they try it again, I'm sure someone will alert the community and the same reaction will play out again.

They are only backfracking now because of the election in November


After the dems win the state offices again, it is full speed ahead on this plan.

The dept of ed is just buying time to get through the election. After the dems win they can do whatever they want no matter what parents or math teachers want.

It’s very hard for Rs to sell the impression that they would take math education more seriously than their opponents while they meet at Liberty University.

Nice try.

Virginia had a world class education system when the state was run by Rs.

Since the fcps school board became democratic dominated, the fcps achievement gap between the haves and havs nots has grown tremendously. When Rs and centrist were in charge of the school board, all of the high schools were quality schools with high achievement.

The farther left the school board goes, the more segregated the district becomes and the chasm between schools like Lewis, Justice and Mt Vernon and schools in the rest of the county only grows deeper.

Just looking at results and outcome, a far left school board without a single voice of dissent and only one moderate (McLaughlin) has been very, very bad for the district and the students.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't feel reassured at all, I just feel like they are waiting for the hysteria to die down and they will present the same exact thing again with slightly different words.

If they try it again, I'm sure someone will alert the community and the same reaction will play out again.

They are only backfracking now because of the election in November


After the dems win the state offices again, it is full speed ahead on this plan.

The dept of ed is just buying time to get through the election. After the dems win they can do whatever they want no matter what parents or math teachers want.

It’s very hard for Rs to sell the impression that they would take math education more seriously than their opponents while they meet at Liberty University.

Anonymous wrote:
You could have simply given feedback like an adult and we still would have ended up in the exact same place.

They were ignoring the feedback and answering the questions they wanted to answer. in their webinars, while thinking this is the people whose resistance we must overcome. We still have work to do.

Only after it made national news, did they change their tune within a week.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think a change like this makes a lot of sense (From the article):

Algebra II is frequently combined with trigonometry in the third year of high school math. It covers linear equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and other topics. It is required for graduation in 20 states (not including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. But math education experts such as Phil Daro and Harold Asturias have suggested giving students the option of taking data science or quantitative reasoning instead.

I also like the idea of teaching math more conceptually/providing more of the theory behind it.

This would mean Algebra 2 is not covered by 10th grade and kids would not be able to take calculus in high school. VMPI is giving assurances that algebra 2 is part of Math 8-10, but I think it is more likely algebra 2 is being mostly dropped. They originally had precalculus as just a half year course, and have said in the videos that it really isn't needed in high school.

My kid does not need calculus and will not be heading in a STEM direction. I'd rather they have the option for something they may actually encounter in the real world and basic data analytics/quantitative reasoning is that IMO. quoted text even says it would an OPTION, not elimination of Algebra II altogether.

That’s a pity. I hope s/he reconsiders. I think of exposure to calculus to be something we should provide to everyone. It is so fundamental to how we understand the world these days. If your kid is reasonably academically capable, I would encourage them to take an intro calc course somewhere along their educational journey just so they understand how science is put together.

I teach HS math and I completely disagree with this statement. Statistics is orders of magnitude more useful for most people, who will have absolutely zero use for calculus the rest of their lives.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't feel reassured at all, I just feel like they are waiting for the hysteria to die down and they will present the same exact thing again with slightly different words.

If they try it again, I'm sure someone will alert the community and the same reaction will play out again.

They are only backfracking now because of the election in November


After the dems win the state offices again, it is full speed ahead on this plan.

The dept of ed is just buying time to get through the election. After the dems win they can do whatever they want no matter what parents or math teachers want.

Anonymous wrote:I don't feel reassured at all, I just feel like they are waiting for the hysteria to die down and they will present the same exact thing again with slightly different words.

They are waiting for November, and banking on a blue governor so they can go full steam ahead on this ridiculously stupid plan.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think a change like this makes a lot of sense (From the article):

Algebra II is frequently combined with trigonometry in the third year of high school math. It covers linear equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and other topics. It is required for graduation in 20 states (not including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. But math education experts such as Phil Daro and Harold Asturias have suggested giving students the option of taking data science or quantitative reasoning instead.

I also like the idea of teaching math more conceptually/providing more of the theory behind it.

This would mean Algebra 2 is not covered by 10th grade and kids would not be able to take calculus in high school. VMPI is giving assurances that algebra 2 is part of Math 8-10, but I think it is more likely algebra 2 is being mostly dropped. They originally had precalculus as just a half year course, and have said in the videos that it really isn't needed in high school.

My kid does not need calculus and will not be heading in a STEM direction. I'd rather they have the option for something they may actually encounter in the real world and basic data analytics/quantitative reasoning is that IMO. quoted text even says it would an OPTION, not elimination of Algebra II altogether.

The problem is the option to take calculus is what is hurt. I agree with the idea that smart kids don't have to be taking calculus or pre-calculus.
The issue with algebra 2 and the quoted text talking about offering other options strengthens the idea that calculus is not available.
They are saying it is an option. These options start in 11th grade, which is too late to take calculus in high school.
If algebra 2 is being talked about as an option for 11th grade, then it means it is not in the 10th grade syllabus, which in some places they are claiming is what they are doing with math 8 - math 10.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think a change like this makes a lot of sense (From the article):

Algebra II is frequently combined with trigonometry in the third year of high school math. It covers linear equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and other topics. It is required for graduation in 20 states (not including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. But math education experts such as Phil Daro and Harold Asturias have suggested giving students the option of taking data science or quantitative reasoning instead.

I also like the idea of teaching math more conceptually/providing more of the theory behind it.

This would mean Algebra 2 is not covered by 10th grade and kids would not be able to take calculus in high school. VMPI is giving assurances that algebra 2 is part of Math 8-10, but I think it is more likely algebra 2 is being mostly dropped. They originally had precalculus as just a half year course, and have said in the videos that it really isn't needed in high school.

My kid does not need calculus and will not be heading in a STEM direction. I'd rather they have the option for something they may actually encounter in the real world and basic data analytics/quantitative reasoning is that IMO. quoted text even says it would an OPTION, not elimination of Algebra II altogether.

That’s a pity. I hope s/he reconsiders. I think of exposure to calculus to be something we should provide to everyone. It is so fundamental to how we understand the world these days. If your kid is reasonably academically capable, I would encourage them to take an intro calc course somewhere along their educational journey just so they understand how science is put together.

“ What Matthews basically said was that the hysteria caused the walkback. No hysteria = no walkback and we would absolutely be looking at everyone sitting in the same math class K-10, with some kids going "deeper" by doing different assignments in ST Math while their peers with dyscalculia and other issues get the hands-on help they need”

+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think a change like this makes a lot of sense (From the article):

Algebra II is frequently combined with trigonometry in the third year of high school math. It covers linear equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and other topics. It is required for graduation in 20 states (not including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. But math education experts such as Phil Daro and Harold Asturias have suggested giving students the option of taking data science or quantitative reasoning instead.

I also like the idea of teaching math more conceptually/providing more of the theory behind it.

This would mean Algebra 2 is not covered by 10th grade and kids would not be able to take calculus in high school. VMPI is giving assurances that algebra 2 is part of Math 8-10, but I think it is more likely algebra 2 is being mostly dropped. They originally had precalculus as just a half year course, and have said in the videos that it really isn't needed in high school.

My kid does not need calculus and will not be heading in a STEM direction. I'd rather they have the option for something they may actually encounter in the real world and basic data analytics/quantitative reasoning is that IMO. quoted text even says it would an OPTION, not elimination of Algebra II altogether.

that sounds good, but statistics/data analytics require calculus (unless you just want a very basic deadend overview)

Finally someone says that! I have no idea what VDOE thinks they're doing with some of the courses they claim can be parallel to Calc.

So......maybe wait for more details until you freak out? It's an option.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But instead of denouncing the idea in our conversation, he said assumptions about what exact changes would be made were premature. “It is just a thought process right now,”

Was this guy posting at DCUM the last month to try and shut down discussion?

Sure seemed like it, didn't it.

Turns out I was 100% correct.

Did you read the whole article? What Matthews basically said was that the hysteria caused the walkback. No hysteria = no walkback and we would absolutely be looking at everyone sitting in the same math class K-10, with some kids going "deeper" by doing different assignments in ST Math while their peers with dyscalculia and other issues get the hands-on help they need.

You could have simply given feedback like an adult and we still would have ended up in the exact same place.

You can unbunch those panties now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think a change like this makes a lot of sense (From the article):

Algebra II is frequently combined with trigonometry in the third year of high school math. It covers linear equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and other topics. It is required for graduation in 20 states (not including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. But math education experts such as Phil Daro and Harold Asturias have suggested giving students the option of taking data science or quantitative reasoning instead.

I also like the idea of teaching math more conceptually/providing more of the theory behind it.

This would mean Algebra 2 is not covered by 10th grade and kids would not be able to take calculus in high school. VMPI is giving assurances that algebra 2 is part of Math 8-10, but I think it is more likely algebra 2 is being mostly dropped. They originally had precalculus as just a half year course, and have said in the videos that it really isn't needed in high school.

My kid does not need calculus and will not be heading in a STEM direction. I'd rather they have the option for something they may actually encounter in the real world and basic data analytics/quantitative reasoning is that IMO. quoted text even says it would an OPTION, not elimination of Algebra II altogether.

that sounds good, but statistics/data analytics require calculus (unless you just want a very basic deadend overview)

I taught Research Methodology for Political Science majors at three Universities, the class did not require calculus. You focus on the scientific method, developing a research question, theory, hypotheses, and how to test your hypotheses. You discuss how to build surveys and the different methods of giving a survey. Then you focus on mostly descriptive statistics, mean, median, mode, and crosstabs. Explore correlation as a abstract concept and the equation. Use the survey the student developed to test their theory focused on cross tabs and a correlation.

Honestly, that level of detail would get most people through reading and understanding most statistical data that they will encounter in the news and a fair amount of business reports. I have seen people who are in awe of those who can do the above at work. They think that I am a genius because I can build and read cross tabs and make a pie chart. The bar is not that high. Scary, but true.

A class on probability theory can be taught without Calculus, if you focus on the basic concepts and when to use the probability distribution only. You don't have to dive into the proofs.

I fully understand that there are far more advanced stats, I also taught those classes at the graduate level, but there are plenty of ways to teach statistics and probability without Calculus.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think a change like this makes a lot of sense (From the article):

Algebra II is frequently combined with trigonometry in the third year of high school math. It covers linear equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and other topics. It is required for graduation in 20 states (not including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. But math education experts such as Phil Daro and Harold Asturias have suggested giving students the option of taking data science or quantitative reasoning instead.

I also like the idea of teaching math more conceptually/providing more of the theory behind it.

This would mean Algebra 2 is not covered by 10th grade and kids would not be able to take calculus in high school. VMPI is giving assurances that algebra 2 is part of Math 8-10, but I think it is more likely algebra 2 is being mostly dropped. They originally had precalculus as just a half year course, and have said in the videos that it really isn't needed in high school.

My kid does not need calculus and will not be heading in a STEM direction. I'd rather they have the option for something they may actually encounter in the real world and basic data analytics/quantitative reasoning is that IMO. quoted text even says it would an OPTION, not elimination of Algebra II altogether.

that sounds good, but statistics/data analytics require calculus (unless you just want a very basic deadend overview)

Finally someone says that! I have no idea what VDOE thinks they're doing with some of the courses they claim can be parallel to Calc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think a change like this makes a lot of sense (From the article):

Algebra II is frequently combined with trigonometry in the third year of high school math. It covers linear equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and other topics. It is required for graduation in 20 states (not including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. But math education experts such as Phil Daro and Harold Asturias have suggested giving students the option of taking data science or quantitative reasoning instead.

I also like the idea of teaching math more conceptually/providing more of the theory behind it.

This would mean Algebra 2 is not covered by 10th grade and kids would not be able to take calculus in high school. VMPI is giving assurances that algebra 2 is part of Math 8-10, but I think it is more likely algebra 2 is being mostly dropped. They originally had precalculus as just a half year course, and have said in the videos that it really isn't needed in high school.

My kid does not need calculus and will not be heading in a STEM direction. I'd rather they have the option for something they may actually encounter in the real world and basic data analytics/quantitative reasoning is that IMO. quoted text even says it would an OPTION, not elimination of Algebra II altogether.

that sounds good, but statistics/data analytics require calculus (unless you just want a very basic deadend overview)