Several years ago, reading scores on state assessments were terribly low, so the state implemented extensive reading programs and counties added more incentives on top of the state incentives. The result? Scores rose incredibly over the last ten years. The problem is, with all the emphasis on reading, math and science have been cast by the wayside. Now school officials are wondering how in the world our children's math scores could have possibly been allowed to get so low.
As a side note, Maryland is recognized for have the highest educational standards in the nation, but unfortuately, those standards go unmet year after year. Officials are now talking about exploring new math incentive programs to help bolster scores on the various tests and of course report cards. But many of those programs will require new staff and frankly, our district doesn't have the money.
My question is, how can my PTA help with these programs, are there any extra activities we can sponsor that will help foster a change in attitude about math, and where can I go for ideas on programs and curriculum advances in the subject?
I have booklets and literature from NCES, USDE, MD SDE, and ERIC to make available to parents, but in a high poverty area, not many people pay much attention to that kind of stuff. I plan on exploring having school officials, university professors, and other locals to our school for a presentation to our parents on this problem, but I would like to do more.
Any suggestions?
