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Many Cedar Rapids parents have expressed concern about weaknesses in the math curricula in local elementary and middle schools.  But the issue has really only received attention in the media since the publication of ITBS scores in the Cedar Rapids Gazette last fall, which revealed that computation scores are abysmal.  Although parents have been complaining individually for several years, it appears that there has been no organized effort to effect change.  Citizens for Evidence Based Education was organized by a group of Cedar Rapids parents to address the need for improved curricula and teaching methods in our local schools.

A variety of math curricula are in use locally.  In the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD), Kathy Richardson's Developing Number Concepts is used at the K-2 level, grades 3-5 use Investigations in Number, Data, and Space, by TERC, and at the middle school level, Connected Math Program material is used. After a little analysis of the curricula, it comes as no surprise that the children cannot do math.  These are all rabidly constructivist curricula that emphasize discovery learning, with heavy emphasis on manipulatives and cooperative learning.  Explicit teaching of math concepts, algorithms and mastery of math facts are de-emphasized, with much more attention given to "multiple ways to solve the problem",  regardless of whether the answer is correct.  Both Investigations and CMP have been heavily criticized in many of the communities where they have been implemented.  Both curricula have received a grade of "F" by reviewers at Mathematically Correct. The community of Plano, Texas has sued the school district over CMP, and several other communities have requested alternative math programs.   The K-2 program has not received as much attention, probably because at this level the children have not yet had a chance to fall as far behind.  But it too discourages any memorization of math facts over sums to six, preferring instead "strategies" for computation.

There is much information elsewhere about the changes in math education in the last decade.  In a nutshell, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) presented new math "standards" in 1989 that  were adopted almost universally in this country.  These standards recommended de-emphasizing computation and algorithms, and promoted the heavy use of manipulatives, technology, discovery learning and cooperative work.

ITBS scores for the past 12 years have been obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.  Total math scores are consistently mediocre, while there is a definite downward trend on computation since implementation of the standards based curricula.  They most definitely do not show an improvement in "problem solving" skills, the impetus for the new curricula.

Citizens for Evidence Based Education has recently made a request to the school board that beginning the 2002-2003 school year, a traditional math curriculum be offered in grades K-8 for parents who desire it.  I urge everyone who is concerned about math education to write your school board, the math curriculum contact person, Paula Vincent, or local newspapers and express your opinion.  If you are interested in becoming involved, contact us at Admin@educationallycorrect.com.

Iowa now (Spring 2002) has a charter school law.  Unfortunately, it is virtually useless as it leaves the power in the hands of teachers and school administrators. New Hampshire has had a similar law for seven years, and not surprisingly, not a single charter school has been opened.

The Role of Poverty in ITBS Scores in Cedar Rapids Schools: A Linear Regression Analysis

Linear Regression Data for Cedar Rapids Schools

The Need for Evidence Based Education

Reviews of Studies of Investigations Curriculum

NEW Response to Dr. Finch's Rotary Club Speech

"How Teachers Teach Has to Change"  March 14, 2002
"Math Wars Finally Erupt Here"   July 19, 2002
Coe College Math Education Professor Roger Johanson's website, that includes his article  "Math is More Than Memorization" appearing in the Gazette July 25, 2002
Letter to the editor Responding to Dr. Johanson's article