The Fayette Citizen-Opinion Page
Wednesday, September 23, 1998
Many kids can't handle 'teach yourself' programs under Chicago math

Letters from Our Readers

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I read with interest the letter from Leresa Lynch. I am happy for her that she is so pleased with the math education her third and fourth grade children are getting at Kedron Elementary. But they would probably be achieving at the same level if slates and chalk were still the medium on which the children did their work.

Notice if you will that (1) she has bright, eager children, (2) the teachers are supplementing with drills and games that are outside of Everyday Math and (3) her children are blessed with her unusual level of interest and involvement in their schoolwork.

Those are not the conditions enjoyed by all the children in the Fayette County schools, and those conditions cannot be assumed by the professionals who evaluate various prospective math curricula at the national level.

Contrast the conditions enjoyed by her children with the plight of an average child whose parents have little time for or interest in their schoolwork and whose teachers are following the UCSMP concept that the children can, with Everyday Math "textbooks," teach themselves. It is from this large proportion of average kids that we must draw most of our future leaders, teachers, engineers and scientists. Dare we ignore their needs?

Therefore I must sharply disagree with Leresa Lynch about Internet publications that give negative ratings on the UCSMP math programs. Those investigators, as well as we in Fayette County, must keep the big picture in mind.

It would be foolish to ignore the opinions of some of the best minds in our society on these issues. Better to hear them out before deciding in advance that their conclusions are unacceptable.

There are good, modern alternatives to the UCSMP series. We, in Fayette County, must turn to them as quickly as can be arranged.

Donald H. Thurnau
thurnau@mindspring.com


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