Report of Action
Thursday, July 8, 2004
Mathematics Subject Matter Committee Members
Present
Dr. Norma Baker, Chair
Dr. Charles Munger, Jr., Vice Chair
Hon. Jackie Goldberg
Dr. Stan Metzenberg
Richard Wagoner
Absent
Wendy Levine
California Department of Education Staff Present
Tom Adams
Don Kairott
Mary Sprague
Christine Bridges
Kay Garcia
Yvonne Evans
Discussion of Algebra Readiness and Mathematics Intervention Materials
Subject Matter Committee (SMC) Chair Baker called the Mathematics SMC meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. She reminded the committee that their task during the next 2 conference calls was to finalize the drafts of Appendix E and Chapter 10 of the field review draft of the Mathematics Framework. The final version of Appendix E and Chapter 10 would be incorporated in the current draft Mathematics Framework (previously approved by the Commission) and then the complete document would be released for field review (August 10 – October 12, 2004).
Commissioners received several documents for review prior to the meeting:
- Appendix E – Algebra Readiness and Mathematics Intervention Programs (revised July 2004)
- Chapter 10 – Criteria for Evaluating Instructional Resources (revised June 30, 2004)
- The Role of the Reasoning Standards in these Programs, submitted by Drs. Wu and Milgram
- Comments on Math Framework Chapter 10 from Commissioners Levine, Munger, Goldberg and Wagoner
Commissioners discussed the working draft of Appendix E – Algebra Readiness and Mathematics Intervention Programs, which reflected changes agreed to from previous conference calls. Chair Baker asked Commissioners to consider if this document meets the original purpose/goal of the document and also to think about how best to use a 2-page document submitted by Drs. Wu and Milgram titled, “The Role of the Reasoning Standards in these Program”.
Commissioner Goldberg stated that she was not on the Commission when they approved the current draft of the Mathematics Framework and that she has concerns about using the same Standards and traditional methods (direct instruction) in the current Framework for Algebra Readiness and Intervention programs. She suggested the need for an instructional approach that focuses on the “intuitive” and then moves to the “concrete”. Chair Baker responded that the Commission has been directed by the State Board and CDE Leadership to develop guidance for Algebra Readiness and Intervention programs that supports the current Standards and the Framework (this is to be the vision for Appendix E) prior to releasing the Framework for field review. The Commission needs to follow that direction and work to complete the task at hand.
The Committee continued to discuss Appendix E, and agreed to several changes, including:
- Change the title of Algebra Readiness to include “Grade Eight and above”.
- Provide a clearer explanation of how entry and exit points will be determined
- Organize the table of standards by the 6 topics, not by grades
- Change the statement about “2 hours of instructional time” so that this will not be a district mandate
Chair Baker suggested that the draft Appendix E be edited to retain the content standards and the rationale for selecting those standards, but be reduced in length to about 25 pages to better address the purpose and audience of a Framework. She suggested that Appendix E could also reference other sections of the Framework. For example, the framework already has sample math problems in the section on Standards to help the reader understand each Standard. Commissioners had more discussion about the draft.
Chair Baker called for a motion to approve the current draft of Appendix E. Richard Wagoner moved to have the Committee approve Appendix E, with noted changes, and then to have CFIR staff work with Chair Baker and Vice Chair Munger to edit and shorten the document prior to the July 21, 2004 Curriculum Commission meeting (Drs. Wu and Milgram would also be consulted, as necessary, regarding questions about the mathematics). At the July meeting, Commissioners would receive both the “long” and “short” versions of Appendix E for review. Commissioner Munger seconded the motion. Motion was approved (4-yes; 1-no; 1-absent).
Chapter 10 – Criteria for Evaluating Instructional Resources
Commissioners began discussing the June 30, 2004 version of Chapter 10: Criteria for Evaluating Instructional Materials. They agreed to include an explanation of mathematical reasoning, to be prepared by Commissioners Munger and Metzenberg. They agreed to continue the discussion the next day.
Public Comment
Chair Baker asked for public comment and then adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
