>>Valley Patriot>>

Over the past few years, approximately 50% of 4th grade students in North Andover have tested below Proficient levels in standardized math testing. Additionally, three of our five elementary schools have actually regressed this past year with one school having 67% of their 4th grade students testing below Proficient levels.  

These ongoing, dismal results are not the result of limited investment. They are the result of poor management. Our shortfall in the management of our Elementary Math program has put a huge burden on parents, teachers and students, at best. It has limited the career paths of our children and negatively impacted their quality of life, at worst.  

Now what?

We could let the education community continue to fail or we the parents, taxpayers and our elected officials, the School Committee, could take responsibility for this mess and fix it….now. It is time for our education leadership, the School Committee, to reestablish our academic proficiencies. Unfortunately most School Committee members across the country do not view their role as decision-making entities. In many cases they blindly follow recommendations provided by professional educators. We used this “rubber stamp” mentality when we approved the use of the current math program, TERC Investigations. The result is sub-par academic results that are beyond belief, (67% below Proficient!). The School Committee needs to take responsibility for the strategic recommendations coming from our education professionals. They should be redirecting recommendations that do not match up with the goals and policies established for our children’s education. Our educators are professionals. However, even the best of employees need a clear set of priorities, management direction and the proper tools to ensure their efforts match the overall focus of the community.

A current case-in-point is the recent recommendation to have four elementary classes in North Andover pilot a different math program this year known as Everyday Math (EDM). EDM is one of three programs recommended by the North Andover Math Committee and the Superintendent’s office to be piloted this year. In March, one of these three programs will replace the failed TERC Investigations program. EDM uses glue sticks, scissors, paint and crayons to teach math. TERC is similar in many ways, but in addition to these core shortfalls in basic math education, EDM stresses the use of Calculators in primary education. EDM effectively has removed Educational Leadership Begins with Us Ed McGuire many activities and practices even remotely connected to standard calculations required to master basic math skills. Dr. David Klein, Professor of Mathematics at the California State University wrote that EDM had, “Missing or drastically abridged presentations of the standard algorithms of arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division at all grade levels.” His review went on in depth but the point was clear. After years of failed results in math, the California State School Board rejected the use of EDM and withheld funding for any District that used these texts.

Not too surprising the 4th grade math California STAR results, the equivalent to our MCAS, have improved dramatically since EDM was rejected. The School Committee should step in, live up to their responsibilities and remove this program from the classrooms. We don’t need another TERC. To be fair it needs to be stated that School Committee member Dr. Chuck Ormsby has repeatedly voiced concerns over the EDM program but to no avail. Additionally, Superintendent Dr. Harutunian seems to be willing to listen to concerns. It should also be noted that EDM has worked for some communities around the country. That doesn’t mean, however, that EDM is right for North Andover. The management decision to determine if this program is right for North Andover needs to be made by our elected officials, the School Committee. Based on the TERC debacle we have had to endure, I believe this is a reasonable request. Based on the law, I believe it is the School Committee’s legal responsibility. Massachusetts General Law 71 section 50 clearly states:

“A change may be made in the school books used in the public schools by a vote of two thirds of the whole school committee at a meeting thereof, notice of such intended change having been given at a previous meeting.” This means that the School Committee not only has the right to determine improper materials within the school system, but more importantly, it has the responsibility to act when inappropriate and/or ineffective materials are placed at the doorstep of our children. The School Committee is the voice of the community. It should set the tone for the level of quality education we provide and serve as the final check-and-balance management team to ensure that actions taken within the schools match our desired goals. It is time for the School Committee to live up to their commitments, but they may need our help. Concerned parents should call a School Committee member and make sure they know where you stand on educational leadership in general and EDM in particular.

These are our schools, our community and most importantly our children. It is time we took ownership of this challenge and fixed the problem…. now. Educational leadership begins with us.

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