School Board Items:
  - Aug 22, 2006 Citizen Comments
  - Sept 13, 2006 District Response (with analysis)
  - Sept 25, 2006 Citizen Comments       

Research:
  - Pittsburgh Teachers Institute
  - Minimal Guidance
  - What Works Clearinghouse

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Good evening. My name is Larry Martin.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you tonight.

On August 22nd of this year I made citizen's comments regarding my concerns about Everyday Mathematics and its potential to rob students of the tools necessary to succeed in Algebra II and on the SAT.

I wanted to take a moment tonight to publicly thank the administration and board for taking the time to listen and respond to those comments in a timely and professional fashion. I also appreciated the frank and open discussion in the Curriculum Committee yesterday.

I am encouraged that the District recognizes the deficiencies in Everyday Mathematics and will be taking a good look at all the math programs in light of the new Michigan graduation requirements.

During this process, please keep in mind that our students today will be competing in a national and global job market.

To meet No Child Left Behind requirements, we have to evaluate our students against Michigan standards. Those standards are, at best, average. I've brought two examples from the 2005 released items to illustrate the nature of this mediocrity.

The first is a 4 point question from the 4th grade MEAP. Similar questions will be given to 9 year-old's next month.

"Katrina buys 2 pencils that cost $0.25 each and 1 notebook that costs $2.50.
A Draw a picture of the items that Katrina buys.
B Use correct math words to tell how Katrina can find the cost of the things she buys.
C Write a number sentence to find the total cost of the things Katrina buys.
D What is the total cost of the items that Katrina buys?"

This question is from a section that allows calculators. One point is given for the correct answer. Three points are given for following directions. This takes the phrase "Show your work" to a whole new level.

The other example is from the 6th grade MEAP. 11 year-old's will experience it next month.

"Mary mixes ½ pound of walnuts with ¼ pound of pecans and 1/8 pound of pistachios.
A Write a mathematical expression that gives the weight
of the mixed nuts.
B Using your expression from part A, calculate the total weight of the mixed nuts."

Once again this is a four point question and calculators are allowed. I included two of the 16 pages of sample papers showing again how being able to add fractions is only good for one point.

Our children need to be better than "above average" on an average test to compete in the future.

Meanwhile, I continue to be impressed with the District's drive to improve student achievement through its continuous professional development. This effort continues to show that dedicated, trained teachers and involved parents can overcome curriculum deficiencies.

Thank you again for your time tonight.