By Andrew Hackmack
The district tried out two math programs. Math Connects, from McGraw-Hill publishers was piloted for three weeks in late October and early November. A pilot of HSP Math, published by Harcourt, followed over the next three weeks and concluded last Friday. The selection made will cover grades K-5.
Both programs were piloted in 18 classrooms -- one class per grade at each of the three schools. Administrators and teachers are confident that they will able to reach a decision. "I honestly think both of these programs are sound," said Patricia Burns, the district's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. "Both publishers have been very helpful and supportive in the process."
Burns said that the math committee will meet this week to discuss the findings from the math pilot and decide which program they will recommend to the board. Last year the district piloted three math programs but none made the cut. Burns said that neither HSP Math or Math Connects were available last year.
Though last year's pilot process was unsuccessful in finding a program, Burns said it was not a total loss. In fact, she said, it helped administrators and teachers figure out exactly what they want in a math program. She said that they are looking for a program that combines a traditional approach with higher level thinking and problem solving. Children should be able to do basic computations, Burns said, but they should also have an understanding of mathematical concepts.
Both HSP Math and Math Connects would meet the district's needs, Burns said, and the two programs are aligned closely with the New York state standards. "The math program supports the math curriculum," Burns said.
Kristen Pares, a second-grade teacher at Clear Stream Avenue School, said she was pleased with how well both programs met the needs of the students. As of late last week, she didn't have a preference. "Either way, we're going to be in a really good position," she said.
Pares said one of the strengths of both programs is that there are a lot of math games which the students enjoy. "It really gets them engaged in their learning," she said.
Fourth-grade teacher Nivia Dougherty noted that both programs have a strong technology component and support all levels of learners. "Probably the best part about both programs is that it really gives alternative methods to teaching," she said. That means if a student doesn't understand a mathematical concept one way, then there are other ways for her to teach it.
Dougherty said that both programs offer a lot of suggestions for group activities, which means students must have discussions with one another. "They're talking about math," she said. "That's really important."
Burns said that the math pilot has sparked many thoughtful conversations among teachers about the approach the district should take. Parents have also made considerable contributions to the process, she said. "We really listened carefully to what parents were saying," Burns said.
Surveys were sent home every week to the parents whose children are in the pilot classrooms. Students were also asked to complete surveys as Burns said their feedback is just as valuable. "We want something that's going to excite the kids," Burns said. "If they're excited and enthusiastic, then the learning only increases."
Burns said that the pilot did not cause a disruption to the regular math curriculum. "Whatever they would be teaching now, that's what they're teaching but using a different program," she said.
The district will separately adopt a program for the sixth grade. She said those teachers are looking for a program that will support the transition to junior high school. Coincidentally, Burns said, HSP Math and Math Connects are the programs being piloted there. "The teachers liked those two," she said.
Tracey Nekulak, an administrator with the Valley Stream Central High School District, has been working with District 30 in piloting the sixth grade program. She said she joined the process in early September and has been discussing with District 30 officials about the materials and strategies used in seventh and eighth grade math classes. "That way they don't make the decision in isolation, apart from the Central High School District," she said.
The recommendation for the sixth grade program will likely be made in February. Burns said once the programs are selected, the district will make sure everyone is prepared for September's implementation. "There will be extensive teaching training and ongoing parent workshops," Burns said.
Comments about this story? AHackmack@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
