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Math placement, teaching methods topics of concern

By Michele Tjin

Students ask when they'll ever use the quadratic equation outside of algebra class, but parents in Saratoga ask if their child can get to that algebra class sooner.

The topics of math placement and teaching methods in math classes at Redwood Middle School were the subjects of a two-hour discussion among parents, faculty and board members at the May 8 Saratoga Union School District meeting. About 80 people attended the meeting, where members of the district's math advisory committee presented various recommendations to resolve the points of contention.

At issue: some parents feel frustrated at the difficulty of getting their children placed in higher math classes. Parents who want their students in more advanced classes say it's been hard to convince the school to move them up.

"Parents have seen it as inflexible and a straitjacket," said parent Stayton Chock.

Other parents have also strongly objected to the Connected Math curriculum the school uses for sixth- and seventh-grades, in which the emphasis is on student exploration and student-led discussions. There is no textbook, though supplementary material is used.

"Parents are uncomfortable with Connected Math because it's difficult for them to support their child," said parent Dory Albert. "The textbook is the bible."

Parents say challenging students would serve them well.

"People learn best when they're put just a little bit outside their comfort zone," said parent Kittu Kolluri. "The status quo is not enough. We're not setting our children up for success in life."

Recommendations that parents drafted included opening up more lines of communication between them and the teachers, getting rid of the nontraditional teaching method and allowing families to choose which math class is suitable for the student.

However, the math department had its own set of recommendations, including the point that teachers would be the ones making placement decisions. They would be willing to meet with parents to discuss the data behind their decisions. Additionally, two different algebra courses would be offered next school year, as well as a geometry class. Teachers also recognize the need for more communication.

"Parents need to know what's going on," said Redwood principal Beth Polito. "We get that."

Board member Cindy Ruby also touched on the theme of more communication at the middle school level. She proposed involving students in parent-teacher conferences.

"This is such a good opportunity for kids to say, 'This is what my goal is,' " Ruby said. "If [meeting] takes money or release time, that's the best time we could spend. We should put students at the center of this."

Board members are scheduled to vote on recommendations at their next meeting on May 22 at the Redwood library.

In other board business, trustees finalized the details on the facility use rate increase. The board has agreed to give a 60 percent discount for one year to groups who say they will face a hardship when the district raises its fees for renting out classrooms and fields. The fee increase is set to take effect on July 1 as planned.

The concession was given to allow nonprofit groups adequate time to budget for the fee hike. For certain groups, the fees would go from $1.25 an hour to $12 an hour.

The discount would not affect the district adversely, board member Jack Chang said.

"The district will be above water," he said.