Does your school use Everyday Mathematics? (Chicago, St. Charles: middle school, teachers, roach)

[Lisa Pevtzow]

Hello. I am writing an article for the Chicago Tribune about Everyday Mathematics and am looking for parents, teachers and school board members, who have an opinion on the curriculum, to speak with. You can reach me at [email]lisa.pevtzow@sbcglobal.net[/email].

Thanks,
Lisa Pevtzow

[cubssoxfan]

Unfortunately-Yes, through 5th grade. Prospect Heights Elementary District 23. They say it prepares the kids well for Algebra and Geometry in Middle School and for the D214 high school match curriculum.
We think it's fuzzy math and instead of getting the basics solidly down, is so focused on alternate problem solving skills that kids get confused and at times do not seem to have the basics down. Probably the real tangible beef with it is the difficulties "old math" parents have in helping with homework.
Stubborn complaints of "No Mom/Dad this is not how the teacher showed us!" combined with, but I don't understand it the way the teacher showed us. Bullhead our way through it and sometimes the child says, "Wow, thanks Mom/Dad for making it so simple."

[themag62]

Yes, and it stinks. It's a sacred cow here in Chicago with no independent research to back up how wonderful it supposedly is. It was developed at the U of C, so it is uncritically accepted. I'll be contacting you for the article.

[linicx]

Amen CFS! I went through the same thing wit mine when they first introduced the "new" math to American students. Thirty-some years later I am still of the same opinion. Regardless of the name they call it, to me it isn't anything more than a fuzzy pig with lipstick.

[sfcambridge]

I disagree with the above. Seeing kids in 1st and 2nd brain approaching complicated mathematical concepts and actually UNDERSTANDING them, rather then just rote memorization is a radical concept. Yes, mom and dad don't like it if the can't just explain to Johnny.... "flip this upside down and multiply those fractions... I don't know why you do it, just do it....."

I actually think it is a good thing. But what do I know.... I've forgotten all the algebra, geometry and higher math I learned because it was just memorized for tests and I never had teachers who really made us think and understand it.

[kindrakindra]

Originally Posted by sfcambridge

I disagree with the above. Seeing kids in 1st and 2nd brain approaching complicated mathematical concepts and actually UNDERSTANDING them, rather then just rote memorization is a radical concept. Yes, mom and dad don't like it if the can't just explain to Johnny.... "flip this upside down and multiply those fractions... I don't know why you do it, just do it....."

I actually think it is a good thing. But what do I know.... I've forgotten all the algebra, geometry and higher math I learned because it was just memorized for tests and I never had teachers who really made us think and understand it.

Agreed. It's one thing for a kid to memorize 8 x 8 = 64 but completely another to realize that 64 is really 8 8s or 6 tens and a 4. A better understanding of math is better than rote memorization as it makes higher math much easier.

[gramirez2012]

It's pure crap. Several of the Barrington schools used it. The teachers loved it, the kids not so much.

[Hatchetman]

memorizing rules is good enough. real understanding is a waste of time.

[gardener34]

My children both used it through elementary here in St. Charles, lots of people spoke against the curriculum, so they have discontinued using it this year.
BUT that said - both my children are better at math than I ever was. So I did not have any problems with it. My son is excelling at math at the h.s. level.
BTW: I was taught "old school" as in Catholic grade and h.s.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by kindrakindra

Agreed. It's one thing for a kid to memorize 8 x 8 = 64 but completely another to realize that 64 is really 8 8s or 6 tens and a 4. A better understanding of math is better than rote memorization as it makes higher math much easier.

Figure Eight - Multiplication Rock - Schoolhouse Rock - YouTube