Friday, November 7, 2014

Proposed new math curriculum for the Worcester Public Schools

As you may know, the math curriculum for Worcester has been in the process of being reviewed for a number of years. At our last meeting of Teaching, Learning, and Student Supports on September 2, administration presented a PowerPoint about the K-6 material options that were compared last year. The materials were not at the meeting.
After that,  the following motions passed:
Request that the Standing Committee approve the Administration’s recommendation to adopt “Go Math” to be implemented as a systemwide pilot program for 2014-15.
Request that the Administration report back to the Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning and Student Supports, at the conclusion of the pilot program, as to whether or not “Go Math” should be recommended for adoption by the School Committee.
On last night's agenda, we were asked to pass a contract with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for a period of six years and $1.8 million. Per MGL Chapter 71, Section 50:
A change may be made in the school books used in the public schools by a vote of two thirds of the whole school committee at a meeting thereof, notice of such intended change having been given at a previous meeting.
On my request, it was sent to Teaching, Learning, and Student Supports to be able to see the curriculum itself prior to purchase.
Because administration would like to have this passed at the next full Committee meeting on November 20, there is a crunch for time. TLSS thus is meeting on Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 AM in the fourth floor conference room in the Administration Building.
Should you like to see the math curriculum that we are piloting, that, should that pilot be successful, we will be purchasing, please make plans to attend.
And do get in touch with us should this be of interest.

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