Why we all need to answer the math questions.

I’m from the school of thought that believes if you’re asked outright for your opinion, you should give it. I’m also a big believer in second chances. Or even more chances. In the messy world of people with different opinions working together to figure out what’s best for the community, as many chances as it takes to get the job done.

The District is asking community members to share what’s important to them in terms of elementary math education. We have two options: 1) Attend the Math Meeting at the Ed Center on Monday night at 7:30. 2) Send our opinions via email to kkiedaisch@ridgewood.k12.nj.us. I’ll be using the second option. (But I'll probably be at the Ed Center to help with the meeting.) I encourage (urge, ask, beg) you to use whichever option most appeals to you. Just please make your opinion known now.

Yes, there were already focus groups. But those were over a year ago. And the purpose of the focus groups was not, no pun intended, focused. At that time, there was no explicit goal of choosing a math textbook/program for all elementary schools. Now that we know that’s the ultimate goal, and we had a long year of talk amongst friends and neighbors and others, let’s make extra-sure that the District knows the opinions of as wide a sample of parents as possible.

Click here to read the four questions you’re being asked. Please answer any or all of them. If you don’t like the first question about “passion,” (it’s a little touchy-feely for some), it would probably be ok to skip it. The real meat is in questions 3 & 4: what do you think all students should know, and what would you like to see in a math textbook?

So please come to the Ed Center Monday night. Or please send your email comments by November 10.