The
Curriculum & Instruction Committee of the Board of Education of the
Approval
of
Education for Employment Five-Year Plan: Dennis
Linse, district Education for Employment (ERE) Coordinator, reviewed the new
ERE plan for 2005-2010. Rich Herbst and
Donna Essock were also in attendance to answer committee concerns.
A motion to approve the
Education for Employment 5-Year Plan 2005-2010 as presented and forward for
full Board approval was made by Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Saelens. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Curriculum
JHS Math Department Curriculum Proposal—Second Reading: The Jefferson High School Mathematics
Department presented its proposal to adopt the Interactive Mathematics Program
(IMP).
Nationally known math teacher
and Board member of the Wisconsin Mathematics Council, Corey Andreasen, was in
attendance adding diverse first-hand perspectives on the history, goals, and
advantages of federally funded NSF/NCTM math programs, and IMP in particular.
The extensive discussion on
the pros and cons of the program was lively.
Numerous resources were provided for committee review including
background materials about the NCTM standards, the TIMMS research comparing the
performance of American students in math with counterparts around the world.
Some of the discussion points
included:
*
The IMP program is best for the most students
*
In traditional programs the top students are not
as prepared
*
IMP provides a higher level of vocabulary and
the students work together more. There
is a lower frustration level, and students learn better problem-solving skills.
*
In other districts, the math test scores jump
almost immediately after implementation of the IMP program.
*
Another option is the “Core Plus” program which
has more reading involved. Both IMP and
Core Plus are thematic and activity based.
*
IMP is truly integrated with real world
situations.
*
Test scores from districts using IMP were
shared.
*
The Special Education teachers are excited about
the IMP program because it “makes more sense”
*
Lower level students can have success with the
IMP program.
*
The program fits well with Professional Learning
Communities.
*
No program is perfect for every student.
*
Parental concerns that they “can’t help their
children with math anymore” were addressed.
*
Society today is different – students need to
learn reasoning skills.
A motion to approve the 9-12
IMP Math Curriculum as presented and forward for full Board approval was made
by Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mrs. Saelens.
The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
A motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Neils, seconded by Mr. Stoner. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:54 p.m.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Pati
Fitzgerald, Board Secretary