Remembering M114 as a means to designing engaging curriculum

If you attended the University of Delaware, chances are you remember Math 114. And if you took M114, you ought to have fond memories of the Math Lab in Pearson Hall. I was never a strong student in Math, I suffered through Algebra I in high school. I was a visual learner and couldn't "see" the concepts in flat textbooks. The University's Math Labs changed that with their computer-based imaging software and visual applications.

So, when I learned about a school district in Westport, Massachusetts, who had given the heave-ho to texts, I was intrigued. Talk about putting resources in the hands of a teacher. Westport spend $75,000 to redesign their Algebra curriculum paring it down to the most crucial concepts and creating content for an online class. Half that money went to paying teachers during the summer to work on the program, the other half went to the software company who incorporated it into an existing model.

So far, so good. Students, parents, and teachers have given the new design a nod of approval. Standardized test scores are up and student are engaged. Less time is spent "reviewing" during Algebra II because they spend their time in Algebra I developing a strong understanding of the core principles. Yes, they have identified some weaknesses in the program itself, areas where more practice problems are needed. But, that's not a killer problem to fix.

The only detractor thus far: The textbook manufacturer from whom the district is no longer purchasing textbooks.

Check out a recent article in the New York Times and start thinking Education Stimulus Aid:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/education/08math.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=education