Stacy Andell is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Stacy has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues. For more on Seattle schools visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Washington/Seattle/index.html
Family Math Nights
Seattle Schools hosted a series of Family Math Nights to help parents and students learn about upcoming changes and challenges to the Seattle Public School Mathematics Curriculum. Topics covered included helping your child with math at home, questions parents can ask, computational fluency, algorithms and mathematical proficiency, and relationships between research and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards.
Teachers and administrators at the Family Math Nights stressed the importance of deeply engaging all elementary school students in mathematics instruction that is meaningful in order to create a learning environment in which students are math literate. The meetings were led by Gini Stimpson, a University of Washington Mathematics Educator and Senior Researcher. Examples of student work from Seattle Public Schools were shared in order to show what students were currently learning and what more they needed to learn. In addition, parents received valuable suggestions for how to help their children improve math skills at home.
Mathematics Curriculum Adoption Overview
Seattle Public Schools began a district wide initiative to improve the mathematics curriculum in late 2005. The last time that new textbooks and curriculum were considered varied for each level of schooling. Seattle Public High Schools last revised their curriculum in 1993, elementary schools in 1998, and middle schools in 2000. The push for new textbooks and curriculum is based on the recognition that student achievement must improve in order to meet the new graduation requirements in Seattle Public Schools. In order to meet these new graduation requirements, research into the best mathematics programs available began.
After conducting extensive research into new mathematics curriculum, Seattle Public Schools concluded that the new programs must be similar for each grade so that students move progressively through a range of math experiences that reflect the same practices and approach. The research also indicated that the curriculum and instruction need to focus on the achievement standards in order for a high percentage of students to perform at the required proficiency. In order to monitor this, assessment needs to monitor student progress within and between grade levels. In addition, the cultural needs of students needs to be considered in developing effective instruction.
Mathematics Curriculum Timeline
In October 2005, the Seattle Public School District began the process by selecting a committee of teacher, parents, and administrators. This committee included representatives for English Language Learners, Special Education, and various ethnic groups. This committee sought feedback throughout the community to choose the best teaching program for Seattle Public School students. The community has had many opportunities to learn about the various programs and offer feedback on which ones would be most appropriate for Seattle Public School students.
From November 2005 to January 2006, the committee developed a screening process that offered opportunities for the community and families to increase awareness and understanding of the new mathematics curriculum and why it was chosen. From February to March, the committee evaluated the best candidate programs in order to recommend a program to the Seattle Public School Board. Based on their recommendation, the Seattle Public School Board determined the best mathematics program for the students of the Seattle Public School System.
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The New Playground for Children- Internet
By: shashanks | 20/12/2009Try teaching a child how to subtract 3 from 5, and you might face disappointment. However ask him/her this “suppose your Mom brings 5 chocolates for you and your brother takes 2 from you, how many chocolates you will have?” and you might get the right answer. Online Tutoring, especially online math assistance, can be made simple by including fun ways to teach.
What Makes Math Learning Fun
By: Frank Ho | 18/12/2009Parents use math marks as a guideline to see if their children’s math have improved, there is nothing wrong with it. My personal experience is that I will feel much relaxed if my tutored student has improved to a stage that math tutoring is fun for both of us. The atmosphere is very relaxed and I can see that the student is enjoying the fun of math learning. The student’s attitude and facial expression are all very relaxed and student's reaction is very exciting and happy.
What Makes Math Learning Fun
By: Frank Ho | 18/12/2009Parents use math marks as a guideline to see if their children’s math have improved, there is nothing wrong with it. My personal experience is that I will feel much relaxed if my tutored student has improved to a stage that math tutoring is fun for both of us. The atmosphere is very relaxed and I can see that the student is enjoying the fun of math learning. The student’s attitude and facial expression are all very relaxed and student's reaction is very exciting and happy.
What Makes Math Learning Fun
By: Frank Ho | 18/12/2009Parents use math marks as a guideline to see if their children’s math have improved, there is nothing wrong with it. My personal experience is that I will feel much relaxed if my tutored student has improved to a stage that math tutoring is fun for both of us. The atmosphere is very relaxed and I can see that the student is enjoying the fun of math learning. The student’s attitude and facial expression are all very relaxed and student's reaction is very exciting and happy.
What Makes Math Learning Fun
By: Frank Ho | 18/12/2009Parents use math marks as a guideline to see if their children’s math have improved, there is nothing wrong with it. My personal experience is that I will feel much relaxed if my tutored student has improved to a stage that math tutoring is fun for both of us. The atmosphere is very relaxed and I can see that the student is enjoying the fun of math learning. The student’s attitude and facial expression are all very relaxed and student's reaction is very exciting and happy.
What Makes Math Learning Fun
By: Frank Ho | 18/12/2009Parents use math marks as a guideline to see if their children’s math have improved, there is nothing wrong with it. My personal experience is that I will feel much relaxed if my tutored student has improved to a stage that math tutoring is fun for both of us. The atmosphere is very relaxed and I can see that the student is enjoying the fun of math learning. The student’s attitude and facial expression are all very relaxed and student's reaction is very exciting and happy.
Want to Help Your Child Read and Understand the Written Language Better?
By: Myrna Peterson-Schmidt | 17/12/2009Is your child having trouble reading and understanding their school work? Want to help your child have a better understanding of the written word and do better in his or her school work? Well here is the answer to your problems. Hooked On Phonics is the best way to achieve this goal for your child.
How to train your dog in easy steps
By: CHRIS TAYLOR | 15/12/2009A dog is your best friend . You spend hours and dollars on your dog every month---so why not get the benefit that you should get by training your dog properly?
Washington D.c. Teacher Recognized for Excellence By Congress
By: Stacy Andell | 11/10/2006 | K-12 EducationWashington, DC- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a congressional resolution recognizing Kim Burke-Ables, a science teacher at Washington D.C. schools ‘ Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, on her selection as the District of Columbia Teacher of the Year for 2006, and "congratulating her for her exceptional dedication to the students and her excellence as a teacher."
New Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2008
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San Jose Schools Celebrate Beethoven With Essay Contest
By: Stacy Andell | 11/10/2006 | K-12 EducationSan Jose State University's Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies and the San Jose Jewish Film Festival have teamed up with the San Jose Schools in an event to celebrate the San Jose State University's Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies twenty first year. The celebration event also includes the premiere of the film "Beethoven's Hair" at the San Jose Jewish Film Festival. This will be an event for the whole community held in downtown San Jose in October.
San Francisco Gets Serious About Arts Education
By: Stacy Andell | 11/10/2006 | K-12 EducationSeptember 28 was the beginning of a new era for arts education in San Francisco schools. The San Francisco Unified School district and the City are partnering on a historic effort to bring back the arts for all students.
San Antonio Independent School District Welcome New Additions
By: Stacy Andell | 11/10/2006 | K-12 EducationCurrent and former students, community members and staff from the San Antonio Schools staff gathered in the historic auditorium of Douglass Academy on Sept. 26 for a homecoming celebration and dedication ceremony to mark the completion of a major construction and renovation project at the school.
Pittsburg Schools' Magnet Schools Programs
By: Stacy Andell | 11/10/2006 | K-12 EducationThe Pittsburg Schools is holding an Information Fair aimed at providing parents with the information they need to provide their children with the best opportunities. The Pittsburg Schools' Magnet Information Fair will be held on October 7th at the Frick International Studies Academy.
Orlando Schools Receive Awards and Funding From the Community
By: Stacy Andell | 11/10/2006 | K-12 EducationFive Orlando public schools will be recognized for outstanding prevention efforts in the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs at the Statewide Prevention Conference in Orlando held at the Caribe Royale Resort. Only 10 schools in the state are being honored during the event to be held on September 20, 2006.
Orange County Schools' Special Education Alliance
By: Stacy Andell | 11/10/2006 | K-12 EducationThe Orange County Schools ' Special Education Alliance was created by the 28 districts in Orange County in 2003. The primary goal of the Orange County Schools' Special Education Alliance is to meet the need for a countywide system that can focus on special education.