BOE Notes

Multiple awards for student athletes were presented, although one can wonder why this is a BOE event. Considering there is limited seating for guests and the honorees it might make sense to give this recognition in a more comfortable and dignified setting, such as an auditorium.

A Pasadena parent addressed the BOE on curriculum implementation, citing the abundance of TERC terminology in the new problem-solving strategy sheet sent home to parents. He also cited recent disturbing comments to the Pasadena PTA by Principal Paulette Miller: “...the math is Investigations with traditional algorithms for homework so parents can help.”

Other Public Participation highlights:

• NYC elementary teacher: MathSteps workbooks chosen at P-OB were rejected by NYC and are out of date

The BOE meeting pretty much followed the agenda, which is available on line at the district’s web site.

Math was on the agenda, with comments from interim Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum, Dr. Linda Bruno. See Math Curriculum Update in the official minutes.

Administrators have held a textbook fair and a supplemental materials fair in preparation for pilot programs. During the fairs, invited publishers bring their materials into the district for review by administrators and teachers. The materials reviewed become candidates for piloting.

The Middle School committee was back to answer BOE questions. The committee’s was again carried over to the 6/18/2007 meeting. Principals tied this committee’s findings to that of the Math Committee. This is a hot topic!