Barrow schools going back to ‘old’ math

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Barrow schools going back to ‘old’ math

Posted by

Mike Buffington

in Education Archives

Wednesday, April 6. 2011

Comments (12)

Barrow County’s high schools will move back to the “old” way of teaching math starting next year.

Following recent state action that frees schools from the “integrated” math curriculum, Barrow has decided to go back to the traditional method of teaching algebra, geometry and trigonometry as individual courses.

Three years ago, the state changed the high school math curriculum to have all the various courses taught in an “integrated” way under the labels of Math I, II, III and IV. But that change sparked a huge backlash among parents, students and some teachers who said students were failing to master the new system.

In a presentation to the Barrow County Board of Education at its March 29 meeting, Claire Miller, the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, said the change from the new math to the traditional system is based on parent, student and teacher feedback.

For the full story, see the April 6 issue of the Barrow Journal.

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#1 stepping back in time on 04/06/11 at 11:28 AM [Reply]

Can't keep up with modern world So sad

#2 Teacher in Barrow County on 04/06/11 at 12:24 PM [Reply]

Well... stepping back in time... as a teacher it is not about keeping up with the modern world... it is about teaching students a skill and having them master it. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with teaching similar Math concepts together and then moving on to the next type. I learned it this way when I was in school 25+ years ago and definatly have better Math skills that what the Seniors are walking out with when they graduate! There is something to be said when teachers are just as frustrated having to teach a way in which they are watching students struggle. Believe it or not, teachers do care how students perform and want them to be successful!

#2.1 Annie Omus on 04/06/11 at 12:47 PM [Reply]

I totally agree with your comment " it is about teaching students a skill and having them master it". In my opinion, we definitely need to go back to the basics in all courses as too many students are not grasping the compacted concepts. I am the Accounting Mgr for a Company that has revenue in the Multi Millions annually and I could not help my daughter in Math when she was in Elementary School! Who the heck ever heard of SWA pattern?? It stands for Some Went Away -- or in basic terms " subtraction"!!

#2.2 Red Ryder on 04/06/11 at 01:43 PM [Reply]

Glad your math skills are good, 'cause your spelling $uck$.

Definitely.

But seriously, thank you for doing a job that many, including I, couldn't do. Math wasn't my strong suit.

#2.3 Anonymous on 04/06/11 at 04:21 PM [Reply]

So because YOU can't TEACH the "new" math, you think we should go back to what you are COMFORTABLE WITH?

I agree we need our children to learn the basics of math, HOWEVER, I place the blame for them not learning it squarely on the shoulders of the teachers.

I'm in the schools daily, and it really frost my cookies to see teachers who do nothing but WHINE and place blame for their inabilities on others, technology, new concepts etc.

We need to stop scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to teachers.

#2.3.1 Karen on 04/06/11 at 06:06 PM [Reply]

You said your in the schools every day are you sitting in on any of the highschool math classes? This new math would not be so bad if it was started way back when,but i thank god my daughter has a math teacher who understands it because its a constant struggle everyday for her. I am glad they are going back to old way which is algebra,geometry,and trig.

#2.3.2 Math 1 Teacher on 04/06/11 at 09:04 PM [Reply]

Apparently you aren't in my classroom. I would appreciate it if you didn't imply that every Math teacher just whines and doesn't try.

I have worked an average of 12 to 14 hours per day, reviewing student responses, differentiating lessons to accommodate their specific needs, offering additional tutoring after school (my time without pay) with minimal participation, etc.

Please understand that it is disturbing to me that you place ALL the blame on the teachers when you don't know ALL of the teachers and/or ALL of the work that they have put into it in an effort to build a strong curriculum and a daily effort to bring a learning environment to a growing number of young people with diminishing classroom values and ethics.

I respect that you are in the schools daily and I would honestly love to know where you are at if you don't see the teachers, like myself, that work EVERY DAY to teach the curriculum that Georgia BOE dictates.

#2.3.2.1 Anonymous on 04/07/11 at 06:59 AM [Reply]

I find it interesting that you changed teachers to ALL teachers. I didn't say ALL teachers, I said TEACHERS.

I realize there are a few good ones, but you and I both know there are teachers who shouldn't be in the classroom.

What next -- get rid of smart boards because that's not how it was don't 25 years ago and besides, those same teachers that whine, also whine about smart boards!

#3 Fortitude on 04/07/11 at 08:21 AM [Reply]

Blaming teachers for your kids learning issues is crap. If parents would pay attention to their children and help them on a nightly basis, instead of sitting them in front of video games, filling them with sugary food and wonder why they have ADD might make a difference in their learning.
Parents, you need to blame yourself instead of the teachers, I did not understand algebra in high school and my parents helped me, when they couldnt, they asked the teacher to get me a tutor at school. I passed and went to college, where I obtained tutoring for algebra and statistics and guess what, I passed. Though I dont use math in my occupation, it shows that parents are the key in their childrens sucess, not the teachers.

#3.1 Karen on 04/07/11 at 04:06 PM [Reply]

Hey its not just algebra that is being taught.Do your have a highschool student? I have seen this new math its not easy to understand even for the parents. So quit playing the blame game.I totally agree with going back to the old math.

#4 Scared for the children's education! on 04/07/11 at 08:06 PM [Reply]

Old math will be great!

Our elementary kids are struggling with this new math! They need to learn 1 skill at a time & build from it!!!

#5 Sick of the new MATH on 04/19/11 at 02:19 AM [Reply]

This new math started when my son was in 5th grade he is now in the 8th grade,Just a reminder Summer School was so full that summer they were bused to Kennedy Elementary ,OMG the children were wall to wall in the cafeteria and most returned the next year at Westside Middle ,and most are still struggling.The Teachers have done lots of tutoring before and after school .The week before CRCT all they did was Math all day long,I have never been strong in Math either but this Math is crazy. I have always been able to help my children with their work but not this new math . So I strongly agree YES go back to the Old Math. My son stressed out so much about it he started having Anxiety Attacks in 5th grade,which meant a EKG ,medicine ,this has continued and worsened this year ,He had to be Hospital Homebound taught,The school worked with us more than I can ever explain.I have cried a many tears over the out pouring response to my child,He finally got over his fears and went back to school and has brought his grade back up ,but as a parent we went thru HELL because of this stupid math. In my opinion if you are going to start a new math start, with the 1st graders not when they are in 5th. I am 48 and have never used algebra in my life,just the basics( adding ,subtractions, multiplication, division,percentage,fractions) and have survived life and have been self-employed for 27 years. Everyone is not going to be a Math Major. Now I disagree with removing cursive writing, they need more writing skills because of all of this texting and slang.I never print unless the form says to print. Yes I am old School and Proud of it!

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