Posts in category Changes In Fairfield
Gap in Internet Access between Rich a...
Students depend strongly on the website to complete assignment through using e-books or social media. However, not every student has access.
~25% of Connecticut households do not have a broadband connection according to National Telecommunications and Information Administration latest report published in Nov 2011 based on 2010 data (slightly [...]
Fairfield 10-4b Complaint Algebra I T...
Understanding the Answers to each of the remaining allegation in the complaint, as to why the District believes there were no technical violations:
“no change to the math textbook….textbook has not yet been finally adopted by the Board as it is part of a pilot program which has not yet been completed. Parents have yet to see the [...]
CPM Complaint Investigation Currently...
In the letter dated April 17, the Department of Education was currently investigating the CPM complaint.
Download (PDF, 1.9MB)
CPM Complaint to CT State Dept of Edu...
The Investigation of the Complaint was conducted under the direction of Commissioner Stefan Pryor. Fairfield parents are still waiting for a full report of the investigate from the Connecticut State Department of Education.
Download (PDF, 567KB)
Enrichment or Mistake in the new Fair...
Enrichment Elementary Math Problem or a Mistake in the new de facto elementary patchwork textbook?
63 divided by X = 7 remainder 1
answer: x = 8.87323943661 (this might be a little advanced for 4th graders!)
Or does it mean:
63 divided by X = 7
x = 9
Or does it mean:
64 divided by X = 7 remainder 1
x = 9
Clearly – the answer and [...]
Misinterpretation of the Common Core ...
Perhaps the most curious Common Core criticism comes on the math side, with opponents arguing that the standards are squishy, progressive, and lacking in rigorous content. While Common Core math standards do articulate ten math “practices,” mathematical content dominates the K–12 expectations. Unlike many of the replaced state standards, Comm [...]
CT School Ranking – Fairfield E...
As can be seen, our existing elementary curriculum, which has been under the same leadership, has significantly deteriorated our standing. Eight of the eleven schools dropped in state ranking over the 2007 to 2012 time period. The Fairfield, CT school ranking based on CMT 4th grade 2007-2012 does not support the socioeconomic theory; Mill Hil [...]
“Math Instructional Methodology...
Math Instructional Model gone Gone!! We shouldn’t move the pendulum too far!! Could this district be using CPM’s method of instruction?
Fairfield, CT School officials: Drop ...
School officials: Drop controversial math text
Michael C. Juliano
Updated 8:22 am, Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Parents and school officials take in a presentation on the proposed revised math curricuulm for grades six through 10 during Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting. Photo: Michael C. Juliano/Staff Photo
Administrators r [...]
U.S. Coalition for World Class Math- ...
From: Barry Garelick
Date: May 8, 2013, 10:05:27 AM EDT To: ”U.S. Coalition for World Class Math” Subject: Re: [U.S. Coalition for World Class Math] Fairfield CT: School board drop the CPM…
Barry Garelick
10:05am May 8
Tricia Donovan was quite active in the parent protest; congratulati [...]
Fairfield Elementary CMT scores DID N...
The Following Table is populated with the percentage of students receiving GOAL RANGE for FAIRFIELD and the STATE, as a whole. The elementary curriculum leaders have been stating that the new curriculum based on “FUZZY MATH” has been successful based on the CMT results. That being said, CMT math scores (2007-2012) show Fairfiel [...]
Letter: School Board Must ‘Take...
To the Editor:
Ever since it became public several months that the School Administration changed the math curriculum without consulting the Board of Education and without disclosing to parents, I, like many, have been silently fuming. I have no child in the public schools any longer, but when they were, I was involved deeply in town governmen [...]
Fairfield Administrators Recommend Ag...
Wakeman said each district has had success with its respective program — however he pointed out that in all three cases the program had to be supplemented in order for it to align properly with the district’s in-house curriculum.
Wakeman said although all four textbook programs have unique features and strengths, none are what might be [...]
Math Debate… Fourth Grade canno...
Countless students across the country whose lack of basic math skills may hurt their college career. Will they be “college and career ready” with these reform math programs? Practice your multiplication… master the fundamentals, so you can move on to more advanced math material.
Reform Math is heavy on story problems and lig [...]
Flexible Grouping -Recognition for Ex...
Burr and Dwight Elementary School have been Flexible grouping for over 5 and 8 years respectively, so why isn’t it offered at other elementary schools?
Burr School was recognized for its “Exemplary Programming for Flexible Grouping in Mathematics” (see below).
Parents from other schools have requested the same instructional [...]
Marilyn Burns Rejects Standard Paper-...
About Teaching Mathematics, Marilyn Burns
Marilyn Burns is vague about specific math learning objectives. But she’s clear that children shouldn’t learn standard arithmetic. Here are quotes from Teaching Arithmetic, Part III of in About Teaching Mathematics: A K–8 Resource.
“Facility with standard paper-and-pencil arith [...]
Send “Yes” for Singapore...
Letter: Add Your Voice to Fairfield Math Curriculum Debate
This is a call to action from a Fairfield parent to others to unify on the math curriculum front.By Enrico Email the author March 2, 2013 Click here for article in Patch
We hope you are aware of the changes going on with your child’s math curriculum at this point and are concerned [...]
Four Math Programs Piloted in Fairfie...
Parents urge you to spend a few minutes reading these comments provided by a Fairfield parent. You can make your own assessment. The program most lacking in public comment and analysis outside of sponsor-related marketing material is Origo Stepping Stones-a new program
1)Analysis/ Comparison of Singapore Math, Math in Focus and TERC (Origo St [...]
Basic Math Skills Linked to PSAT Math...
Basic Math Skills Linked to PSAT Math Success
Jan. 4, 2013 — New research from Western University provides brain imaging evidence that students well-versed in very basic single digit arithmetic (5+2=7 or 7-3=4) are better equipped to score higher on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), an examination sat by millions of students in [...]
Fairfield Math Department thinks 8+5=...
Dr. Title, Mr. Dwyer and other BOE members ask the Fairfield Parents to have faith in our Administrators’ recommendations and decisions as they relate to the Math Education and Programs our children will be receiving in this district for the next several years… TERC Investigations and CPM!
It is upsetting for the Fairfield paren [...]
Has Constructivism Increased Special ...
Has Constructivism Increased Special Education Enrollment in Public Schools? By Nakonia (Niki) Hayes nakonia69 January 16, 2013
As a teacher and administrator for 28 years, I rebelled against the disastrous fad of constructivism that began in the 1980’s. While its drumbeaters declared it was a higher form of intellectualism, it didn’t s [...]
Will Common Core put an end to Math W...
EN: Will the Common Core put an end to what has sometimes been termed the “math wars”? In your view, do the math standards resemble those recommended by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and what do you make of that similarity (or lack thereof)?
WSW: The end of the math wars! You must be joking.
There will always be peop [...]
TERC Investigations removed in States...
Thursday, April 2, 2009 Sign the petition against TERC math | click here for the link
Math Investigations is a highly controversial math program that has been removed in states, counties, and districts across the country. When you begin to read the research and unravel the data, you will begin to understand what the Board of Education, teache [...]
Rotten to the Core: Reader Feedback f...
Click here for link .
I have more installments of my Rotten to the Core series on the federalized national curriculum “standards” coming next week. (See parts one and twohere and here.) In the meantime, I’m sharing several of the e-mails pouring in from teachers, parents, and activists across the country who are fighting this juggernaut acr [...]
Uniformity Is NOT Equality
The biggest fans of standardizing education are those who look at our children and see only future employees. Click here to link to article
The top-down, test-driven, corporate-styled “accountability” movement — featuring prescriptive state standards — has already done incalculable damage to our children’s classrooms, particularl [...]
Increasing Instructional Time for Alg...
Double-dose of Algebra, research, Winter 2013
Click here for entire article
Increasing Instructional Time for Algebra Boosts Student Performance and Graduation Rates —-Taking two periods of Algebra in 9th grade has long-run positive effects on lower-achieving students
“Double-dose” algebra—providing two consecutive periods of math ins [...]
Math & Students Struggling as lo...
Mathematics Education: Being Outwitted by Stupidity-
The way we used to teach math mirrors our effective interventions for those students struggling as low achieving/learning disabled.
Math reformers promote a teaching approach in which understanding and process dominate over content. In lower grades, mental math and number sense are emphasiz [...]
CPM differs in Mathematics Taught and...
The prinicipal technique in this series is the so-called guess and check method, which encourages repeated guessing of answeres, over the systematic development of standard mathematical techniques.
CPM puts low emphasis on symbol manipulation
CPM differes from traditional mathematics courses both in the mathematics that is taught and how it [...]
CPM Workshops in Fairfield?
CPM Workshops were opened to NOT only Fairfield Teachers but to other Districts.
Local Contact: Email Paul Rasmussen
To date, the Fairfield District has not voted on the New Secondary Math Textbook nor the New Secondary Math Curriculum to align with the Common Core Standards, but yet our District has hosted numerous CPM Workshops at our scho [...]
Equitable Teaching Methods in the Mat...
Jo Boaler and Megan Staples reflect on the Railside Case Study. Read more…
Download (PDF, 133KB)
Jo Boaler- Setting by Ability Does No...
According to her study in England Jo Boaler states setting by ability does not work
Download (PDF, 120KB)
CPM = Social Responsibility in Math C...
CPM teaches Social Responsibility in Math Class.
“Cooperative learning teams are successful only when every member has learned the material or has helped with and understood the assignment, It is important to emphasize and evaluate individual learning in MATH so team members can appropriately support and help one another. “ Word [...]
Complex Instruction = CPM Instruction...
Learn more about the CPM instructional Model for Mathematics in our district. Two Professors Jo Boaler & Megan Staples mentions the CPM teaching model was used in their Railside Study.
Megan Staples has observed several Algebra I Math Classes in our district to ensure proper implementation of this new teaching method also called COMPLEX [...]
Fairfield Secondary Math Presentation...
Fairfield Secondary Math Night Presentation used the following slide to prompt the new math program CPM (College Preparatory Mathematics) which is currently being implemented in all Algebra I classes across the district this year.
Download (DOCX, 375KB)
Promoting Student Detracked, Heteroge...
Megan Staples, UConn Prof/Researcher, has observed Math Classes in Fairfield to ensure proper implementation of our ”NEW INSTRUCTIONAL CPM TEACHING MODEL” which uses the same guiding principles as ”complex instruction”
Detracking and heterogeneous groupwork are two educational practices that have been shown to hav [...]
Jo Boaler & Megan Staples –...
“The low and inequitable mathematics performance of students in urban American High Schools has been identified as a critical issue contributing to societal inequities. In an effort to better the field’s understanding of equitable and successful teaching, we report results from a four-year longitudinal study “- Railside Stu [...]
CPM = Complex Instruction = Railside ...
College Preparatory Mathematics is built on the guiding principles of “Complex Instruction” ;an instructional method designed to make group work more effective as well as to promote equity in the classroom with the purpose of countering social and academic status differences in the classroom (Boaler, 2009).
The central part of CPM and CI ( [...]
Jo Boaler’s Railside Study: The...
In the Jo Boaler’s Railside Study San Lorenzo HS dedicated itself to complex instruction (guiding principles of CPM), heterogeneous grouping, problem-based integrated math.
Boaler should not assert that San Lorenzo High is outperforming the other two shcools based on Freshman Algebra scores for many reasons- two being;
1) The freshman a [...]
A Closer Examination of Boaler’...
The study followed the cohort of students at each school that started ninth grade in 2000, used a non-standard set of four tests, interviews, and a number of group projects to determing the mathematical competency of these students. The students at the two of the schools were said to have been taught mathematics using mainly “traditiona [...]
Who is Jo Boaler? What is the Railsid...
The Railside Study dedicated itself to using College Preparatory Math (CPM) and IMP/other reform math at San Lorenzo HS. Jo Boaler, a Standord professor, conducted a longitudinal study of three schools that’ widely known as the Railside paper. She presented the results to a standing room only crowd at the National Meeting of NCMT in [...]
Has our District Aligned Itself with ...
Dr Title,
We received the list of math programs currently piloted in K-2. Again we are very concerned. One of the programs, TERC Investigation, is widely criticized and we are wondering why this highly contested program is being piloted. What is said about TERC;
TERC has no interest in giving classroom time to standard arithmetic, and avoids [...]
Standard Algorithm or “Cluster ...
Watch how your child will be learning math!
Listen to Seattle Meterologist, MJ McDermott, explain why Investigations and Everyday Mathematics should not be used in school systems. Watch as she tackles simple standard double digit multiplication problems with complex strategies used in Investigations and Everyday Math!
Which way is easier [...]
Reviews of TERC : Investigations in N...
Reviews of TERC: Investigations in Number, Data, and Space
Basic Information and Introduction
Investigations in Number, Data, and Space is a K-5 curriculum developed by TERC Inc., Cambridge, MA, and marketed through Pearson Scott Foresman (and previously by Scott Foresman – Addison Wesley and by Dale Seymour). The TERC Investigations Pr [...]
CPM : Self-Exploration and Spiraling ...
The book provides structured guidance during class time for the students to explore questions in study teams where they can work together and exploit each other’s insights to gain understanding. The teacher is always circulating through the classroom to monitor, guide, and intervene as necessary in the discussions so that students do n [...]
Controversy over Fuzzy Math in Penfie...
Controversy over Mathematics in Penfield, NY, Public Schools
Since early 2005 a parent group in Penfield (a suburb of Rochester), New York, has been fighting for quality mathematics programs in their public schools. The parent group has a web site, Parents Concerned With Penfield’s Math Programs; please visit that site for the most up-t [...]
A Statistician’s View of Constr...
She explains why traditional algorithms are needed to understand higher mathematics. It is extremely important that they are practiced until they are mastered. In fact, the new Common Core Standards recommend teaching the standard algorithms.
Everyday Math, Investigations in Number, Data, and Space, and other reform math programs have been hi [...]
CPM Professional Development
Teachers who participate in coaching change their practice more so than those who are not coached… Sounds Expensive! But if we are going to drastically change the instructional method of teaching math, of course we want to do it correctly… after all we don’t want the students to fail!
See CPM Methodologies to understand ho [...]
CPM: Use of Study Teams
Daily activities require much more work in study teams and much less introduction and explanation of ideas by the teacher. Study teams of four can reduce the number of students in the class from thirty-six to nine. Moreover, since members of the study team respond to routine inquiries, more of the teacher’s time can be spent dealing wi [...]
CPM Methodologies
College Preparatory Mathematics recommends small group work done in study teams. A major reason for developing the CPM program was to provide some flexibility in how students could learn math and thus meet the needs of a greater number of students. This teaching method is a new concept for teachers. This is the place where most teachers have [...]
Only 59% Pass Rate in 2006 When Using...
Penfield School District – 8th grade Math Scores. Penfield improves after dropping Investigation Math program. You can see only 59% passed in 2006. What does this mean 2/5 students need math remediation!
Penfield’s 7th grade class in 2006 received the same passing rate!
Understand their story… click here, and click here.
Fairfield Elementary Math Program Tri...
Fairfield Elementary Math Pilot Programs
Riverfield, Grade 1, Singapore Math – Primary Mathematics , Number of Students =71
Riverfield, Grade 2, Origo Stepping Stones, Number of Students = 67
Osborn Hill, Grade 1, TERC Investigations, Number of Students = 85
Jennings, Kindergarten, Singapore Math – Math in Focus, Number o [...]
A Textbook Case in Textbook Adoption
A Textbook Case in Textbook Adoption
Barry Garelick*
It was a textbook case on how to adopt substandard math textbooks. On June 15, 2005, the Washington, DC School Board voted to adopt Everyday Mathematics (EM) for elementary schools and Connected Math Program (CMP) for middle schools. The action was a photocopy of actions taken by other scho [...]
Why Does School Board Allow Use of CP...
‘I hope the Fairfield’s Board of Education will instruct the Superintendent to stop using the unapproved Algebra 1 textbook when they meet at the Jan. 15 BOE meeting,’ the writer states.
Dear Editor:
I hope the Fairfield’s Board of Education will instruct the Superintendent to stop using the unapproved Algebra 1 textbook when the [...]
Ffld Ranked 4th in DRG: 2011 CAPT Mat...
The faction is also concerned with the results of the 2011 Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) math scores, Marcus said. In Fairfield, 69.9 percent of high school students met the state goal for mathematics, ranking fourth in the school system’s district reference group (DRG) towns. That DRG include Greenwich (71.9 percent), Monroe ( [...]
School Board needs to be Reminded of ...
Although funded almost entirely by taxes levied on or real property, our locally elected board of education in Fairfield is not an agent of the town but, in fact, creature of the state.
Chapter 170 of the state General Statutes establishes the laws creating the board of education. The specific duties of the board of education are outlined in [...]
Administrators owe answers on math ch...
Administrators over the summer very quietly — and apparently without proper approvals — changed the methods by which math is being taught in secondary schools and switched to a new textbook that students are not allowed to take home.
In addition to using a textbook that parents can’t consult, a new teaching method was adopte [...]
Fairfield Parents Demand Answers abou...
Students work in groups to solve word problems, and each student is assigned a role in the solution process, according to CPM’s principles.
The school board is scheduled to hear a presentation and vote on the secondary school mathematics curriculum in April.
But the district has already begun rolling out the CPM methodology and textbook [...]
Vice Chair Pam Iacono, floated her op...
Encourages parents to ‘preserve the process’ within the schools
Fairfield BOE website, “What Does a BOE Do?
In reaction to open board comment and ensuing questions to Dr. Title, Vice Chair Pam Iacono, floated her opinion that open board comment should be removed “as it allows the superintendent to be ambushed.”
The tension was palpable at Tue [...]
Do Apples = Oranges???
The District has compared the number of Students receiving A’s in Algebra this year versus last. This is an interesting comparison since different tests were administered this year versus last. An administrator with an understanding of math or statistics would realize that this is like saying, “an apple is the same as an orange&# [...]
Fairfield District Leaders are Interp...
A New Kind of Problem: The Common Core Math Standards – by Barry Garelick from The Atlantic
Scroll down to comments: NOTE the Comment by Bill McCallum (one of the authors of the Common Core): William McCallum barrygarelick • 13 days ago
It seems strange to me to be basing a claim on a couple of sentences in a draft document about the [...]
Content Review of CPM Mathematics
Content Review of CPM Mathematics
With regard to mathematics content, this program does not sufficiently addrss the content standards and applicable evaluation criteria to be recommended for adoption.
In summary, most of the program is below the specified standards level and there is too much of an assumption that work will be done in teams.
[...]
Parent are welcomed to comment at BOE...
Board to discuss parents’ concerns about new method for teaching math
-BOE meeting is scheduled for December 11th 7:30 p.m. in the Board of Education Central Office, 501 Kings Highway East.
-The Board of Education welcomes parents sharing information and their own perspectives on matters concerning their children.
-Parents are welcom [...]
Questions asked by Fairfield Parents ...
Yet to be answered from index card submitted the night of the presentation…
How many Connecticut school districts are currently using CPM and what are their standardized tests results? Do their middle school districts have more than two levels of mathematical instruction per grade level?
CPM has been around for 2 decades and has taught [...]
2011 & 2012 SAT scores- Fairfiel...
The following two tables illustrate the ….
In 2011, Fairfield had the lowest average SAT score compared to the surrounding towns. Fairfield’s average SAT score was 112 points lower than the average of the other towns listed. In 2012, Fairfield’s average SAT score dropped steeply. Fairfield’s average SAT score was 1 [...]
FAIR TV BOE Meeting: Math Curriculum ...
Forward to discussion on elementary math curriculum 0:39:57
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FAIR TV BOE Meeting : Approval of Mat...
APRIL 2012 BOE MEETINGS:
No proper curriculum review process, no pilot results (pilot data became available 3 months after the vote) , just a lot of support from a handful of professional, some not even teachers.
Forward to 1:49:26 to listen to pre-assessment for skill set but not conceptual understanding.
Forward to 1:43:20 to li [...]
FAIR TV BOE Meeting : Math Curriculum...
November 27, 2012 BOE MEETING:
BOE OPEN DISCUSSION about the Secondary Math Curriculum
Forward to 2:15:16 /2:44:38 and listen to several Public Comments by parents
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Fairfield Minteman: Fairfield’s...
Fairfield Board of Education member Jennifer Maxon Kennelly said she was “appalled,” about some of the things parents were telling the school board regarding the new way in which eighth grade math was being taught.
Sue Brand was first to speak after the parents finished and she asked that the matter be put on the December agenda. She had seve [...]
Lower Quartile 2006-11 CMT Mathematic...
Elementary students in grades three through five will have a new math curriculum. In response, Anna Cutaia-Leonard said the school district would like to use a new math text, but now is not the right time because publishing companies are updating textbooks to Common Core Standards. She said the school district would then choose textbooks that [...]
Understanding the Math Changes in Fai...
If The Current Change in Math Curriculum Does Not Impact You This Year…Wait…It Will Next Year!
This year, the Fairfield School District has decided to purchase and utilize textbooks and a curriculum from an outside source, College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM). They are utilizing the State’s shift to the Common Core Curriculum Standards as a [...]
Fairfield SAT Scores 2012 Drop
Fairfield SAT scores 2012 -
A school administrator points to the larger number of test takers as the reason for a sharp drop in the 2012 average Scholastic Aptitude Test scores at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. Margaret Boice, director of secondary education, said, noting that 317 Ludlowe students took the SAT this year, compared to 307 in 2 [...]
Letter: Why We Need a Breakdown of Fa...
Summary: Fairfield’s annual operating budget should provide a breakdown of the cost of each service so that the people and their elected town representatives can make informed decisions about which services they want and can afford from their government. The budget should also quantify the effect of state and federal laws that require the t [...]
Fairfield Citizen: Letter: Math curri...
The new math curriculum is not receiving rave reviews. It has not been successful in California and is not being used elsewhere in Connecticut. So how and why was this curriculum chosen? What makes the administration think it will be successful in Fairfield? The new demands on our curriculum to meet the guidelines of common-core standards are [...]
Fair TV January 24th BOE MEETING R...