Progress on Mathematics Reform

Two years ago, MCEA members were raising serious concerns about acceleration and sequencing in the mathematics curriculum. Discussions were held by MCEA's Councils on Teaching and Learning with representatives of the MCPS administration. As a result, the Deputy Superintendent created a "K-12 Mathematics Work Group" to explore the various and complex issues involved.

MCEA's President - first Bonnie Cullison and subsequently Doug Prouty - was a continuing participant. In addition, MCEA members were represented by six classroom teachers as well: Teresa Brown, Viers Mill ES; Karen Emmerich, West MS; Jeff Flowers, Poolesville HS; Natalie Howard, Strathmore ES; Ed Hsu, Magruder HS, and Dawn Lemon, Montgomery Village MS. Numerous parent representatives, principals and administrators also participated. They all put in untold hours researching and discussing best practices and national standards.

The Work Group Recommendations are being presented to the Board of Education on Tuesday 11/9. You can view the entirety of the Work Group's report online. The 11-page Executive Summary provides an easily accessible overview.

The recommendations were also reported on in last Thursday's Washington Post:

Montgomery County admits kids were pushed too hard in math
Washington Post, Valerie Strauss
     The highly-touted Montgomery County Public School system in Maryland has just admitted that it has been pushing a lot of kids to do accelerated math when they weren’t ready for it, and now will stop it.
     Many thanks to all the MCEA members who contributed to this system-wide assessment of the K-12 Mathematics program. Through surveys, focus groups, and feedback sessions, hundreds of educators helped identify the concerns and shape the recommendations.

There is still much work to be done. But this Report marks a significant step in responding to the concerns MCEA members began raising almost two years ago.

Tom Israel
MCEA Executive Director.