MCAS scores detail ups and downs Nov 12, 2009
And improvements need to be made in open response questions, number sense, inferences and predictions of data, patterns, and relations and algebra. Middle and high school. (Wakefield Daily Item, MA)
District 87: Updating BJHS, BHS a never-ending process Nov 12, 2009
At the junior high, math courses are expected to be added so that all students have an option to enter high school at a higher academic level and will have the option to successfully complete algebra and geometry by the end of their sophomore year. BJHS Principal Susan Silvey said the implementation of previous strategies has improved test scores for BJHS students, forcing the additional of new math classes at the high school. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
School board discusses new graduation requirements and senior privileges. Nov 11, 2009
Students will be required to take Algebra I and II and geometry however, schools have the ability to waive students out of Algebra II and geometry, but not both, if deemed appropriate, but all students will be required to take three units of math; 2. Students will be required to take biology, a physical science and chemistry or physics. (Tyndall Tribune & Register, SD)
Kissing Wayne Newton, Ellen Slezak, Agni Nov 11, 2009
I gladly slept my share of nights on a cot next to my youngest sister s bed at Children s Hospital, doing my algebra homework, asking nurses to attend to her, asking doctors questions about why they were doing this or that, taking notes on their answers. It was a good education in advocacy, among other things. (Harper's Magazine)
Danny Henley: Blame it on the genes Nov 10, 2009
A veteran high school teacher reported receiving a note containing an interesting adaptation of that excuse: Please excuse Lori for not having her algebra homework. The cat had kittens on it last night. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Education letters 11/9 Nov 10, 2009
Since 2005 we have seen a 40 percent drop in the number of students passing algebra and geometry End-of-Course Tests. We have seen no increase in SAT scores since 2004 they have been flat. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Nebraska man takes stand on Elkhorn School bus issue (2) Nov 8, 2009
How many math teachers for the 7th grade are certified, specially trained, to teach Pre-algebra to the kids at Elkhorn ... So my son, by your level of care for his education, would have to take a lower math or learn Algebra from a teacher who may not even understand it themselves, and my son's not even the smartest one in the class. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Inside the Autistic Mind Nov 8, 2009
Instead, she is working her way through high school biology, algebra and ancient history. "It became obvious fairly quickly that she already knew a lot besides how to read," says her tutor, Tonette Jacob. (Time.com)
Just 1 area high school shows progress on report card Nov 8, 2009
John Fisher, a junior at Tri-Valley High School, holds the ''Champion Factoring'' belt following a timed Algebra quiz in math teacher Todd Schneider classroom at Tri-Valley High School, Downs on Thursday Nov. 5, 2009. The Pantagraph/STEVE SMEDLEY. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Letters for Friday, November 6, 2009 Nov 7, 2009
This year the DOE has added: Online field testing for both the annual HSAs and the quarterly HSAs; Algebra II tests; on-line field testing in science for grades 4, 8, 10 and biology students in grades 9, 11, 12. Additionally, the BOE has estimated that the HSA tests alone cost $25 - 40 million per year. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Officials, businesses tour AMSA in Marlborough Nov 7, 2009
About 60 visitors toured literature classrooms packed with volumes from Homer, John Steinbeck and Thomas Mann; computer labs where students learn computer-assisted design and the programming language Java; and a math class where sixth-graders learned algebra. It was the first time AMSA, which opened in 2005, had hosted the annual event. (Marlborough Enterprise, MA)
More than FCAT will determine high school grades Nov 7, 2009
According to Clyatt, the state is also introducing end of course exams for algebra I and geometry courses in 2010-2011, biology in 2011-12 and American history in 2012-13. All of the details have not been worked out. (Bradford County Telegraph, FL)
How Eurocentric is your day? Nov 6, 2009
Our student runs into fields of study - algebra, trigonometry, astronomy, chemistry, medicine and philosophy - that were introduced, via Latin, to Western Europe from the Islamicate. She also encounters a variety of scientific terms - algorithm, alkali, borax, amalgam, alembic, amber, calibrate, azimuth and nadir - which have Arabic roots. (Asia Times Online)
Intellectual explored the primitive mind Nov 5, 2009
The text of Les Mythologiques was littered, though hardly illuminated, by all manner of visual aids - diagrams, arrows, charts of the night sky, fragments of algebra, and an array of small boxes shaded with hatchings and cross-hatchings. Levi-Strauss's capacity for creating complex intellectual jigsaws was never in question, but it was not always obvious what relation his hypotheses bore to reality. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Robert P. Moses: We tolerate a sharecroppers education Nov 4, 2009
In the 1980s, Moses founded The Algebra Project, a program that teaches math literacy to poor and minority students in middle and high schools ... Asked about how he succeeds in teaching algebra to adolescents who are neither prepared nor interested, he said, It takes two things to teach algebra. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Newton People Nov 4, 2009
Academic Prize recipients are: Donelan in AP physics B; Fiore in AP physics C, technical theatre, and Senior Project; Grant in AP calculus AB, European history, and Senior Project; Homsy in French V; Ide in Senior Project honors; Mahoney in physics; Moran in pre-calculus; Verghese in Spanish V; Magliozzi in digital photography; Belen Alvarez-Villalonga and Power in history, Carerra, Alexandra Grant, Tara McManus, Koger and Jrolf in English; Howe in algebra II; Sewall in chemistry and honors... (Newton Tab, MA)
Hawaii's class time thin even before cuts Nov 2, 2009
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Angela Powers teaches algebra to her students at McKinley High School. While U.S. policymakers are pushing to increase class time, Hawaii is heading in the opposite direction. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Power to parents is main objective of Boston schools new ‘university’ program Nov 2, 2009
Kimberly Cunningam, a 39-year-old mother of two, said she is at a loss when it comes to helping her daughters with subjects like algebra. I stink at math, she said. (Boston Globe)
A way to improve schools, one instructor at a time Nov 1, 2009
Nearly everyone can probably recall a teacher who lit their passion for poetry or who was able to help them connect all the dots in a seemingly incomprehensible algebra formula. We know that individual teachers can make a huge difference. (Boston Globe)
Child porn teacher pleads guilty Oct 31, 2009
He was arrested by the operation Algebra investigation, which has led to the arrest of more than 200 suspected paedophiles around the world ... He was arrested during the Operation Algebra probe, which broke into Scotland's biggest paedophile ring. (BBC News -- UK)
Fantasy Sports Can Improve Math Test Scores Oct 31, 2009
The national study shows that fantasy sports has increased math test scores, in areas ranging from algebraic formulas to fractions, by nearly 50 percent among middle school students ... Algebra, perhaps the least liked subject of students due to its abstract nature, is the gateway to higher education, Flockhart said. (Newsmax)
Teen Cancer Victim's Family Struggles Oct 30, 2009
Katelyn Weatherford diligently did algebra problems throughout the interview, punching at the keys on her calculator with complete focus. Her determination is not a surprise for a 13-year-old who is doing ninth-grade math as a seventh-grader and is a straight-A student, all while participating in 4-H and her true passion -- softball. (Click2Houston, TX)
MCAS debate tackled in new film Oct 30, 2009
Documents have proven that Shannon s brain simply cannot compute the algebra needed to pass the test, McDermott s mother, Janet, said. It s in no way fair that this one test has dictated her whole future. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Abuse network ringleaders jailed Oct 30, 2009
" Rennie had circulated pictures of the abuse and offered a boy to other paedophiles - an offer taken up by Strachan. Both will remain under close supervision for the rest of their lives after the parole board sees fit to free them. Defence counsel Mark Stewart QC said Rennie, who has no previous convictions, wanted to make a formal apology and place on public record his "shame and sorrow" at what happened. Co-accused Colin Slaven, 23, from Edinburgh; Neil Campbell, 46, John Milligan, 40, and... (BBC News -- UK)
Toni Whitfield named student Lincoln Laureate Oct 29, 2009
Whitfield has worked as a supplemental instructor for pre-calculus students and as counselor for the Summer Bridge Program, mentoring incoming freshman students and tutoring algebra students. She works with the Saluki Athletics Halloween Carnival, Kid's Night Out, Parrish School Halloween Carnival, Beautify Southern Illinois and other groups. (Siusalukis.com)
VICKERS/A grand reunion Oct 29, 2009
As was true of most small high schools in the 1950s, the only mathematics taught was first and second year algebra. There was no trigonometry, geometry or high school calculus. (Philadelphia Neshoba Democrat, MS)
DeWitt hosts regional school board meeting Oct 29, 2009
Right now the only exam in that category is Algebra I, but English II will also become a high stakes exam in 2013-14, Harder said. Students must pass these exams in order to graduate. (DeWitt Era-Enterprise, AR)
School board to look at kindergarten readiness Oct 28, 2009
The requirements comprise a typically challenging high school curriculum: two years of history or social science; four years of English; three years of math, through algebra II, although four years are recommended; at least two years of a lab science; at least two years of a language other than English; one full year of visual or performing arts and one "college prep elective.". In other business tonight, the board will be told that a proposal to expand the football bleachers at Paly by removing... (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Teacher of year helps math add up Oct 28, 2009
When Laurie Robinson's son Tom repeatedly talked about how great, funny and approachable his Algebra 2 teacher was, Ms. Robinson knew that teacher must be someone special ... " This year, Ms. Switala is teaching Algebra 2, Advanced Placement Calculus AB and Advanced Placement Calculus BC. For those who may have a negative attitude toward math, Ms. Switala tries to find what they know, then ask them questions within their "zone of understanding" and help them to widen that zone. Pine-Richland... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Education letters 10/26 Oct 27, 2009
Algebra is basic to understanding financial statements and cash flow: A balance sheet is an algebraic expression ... Consequently, I think Sprague s assertion that math might prove useless to real life is wrong-headed, and I think algebra should be a prerequisite for high school graduation ... The state Department of Education has created a new math curriculum very different from the usual algebra, geometry and algebra II course work offered in other states. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Twin Texans cheerleaders immersed in education Oct 26, 2009
While in college, Marisa helped tutor ninth-grade algebra. That s when she realized she wanted to pursue teaching. (KHOU.com, TX)
National Science Center to focus on mission Oct 25, 2009
The organization's outreach programs include: Fast Track Science, summer camps held throughout the country focused on the science of racing; distance learning, live video broadcast programs covering topics such as physical science, health, chemistry and math; and Learning Logic, a computer software program used for teaching pre-algebra and Algebra I.. The two mobile discovery centers are its most popular programs, Mr. Dennis said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Gender based courses Oct 25, 2009
Most of the core classes at Bowie are now separated by gender with boys studying with boys and girls studying with girls. Related Stories/Links. (Odessa American, TX)
Hundreds of Washoe Co. students forego classroom for online learning Oct 24, 2009
"16-year-old Sarah Leo is one of the students who decided to finish high school on line, and is now taking art history and algebra. She says she doesn't miss all of the "drama" of high school."I just like being able to sit down and learn, and not have to deal with anything else going on in school," Leo said. "It's a lot less distracting. "Her mother, Jennifer, said her daughter is working harder than ever. "She was in accelerated classes before, but now she stays up all night to finish a course... (KRNV.com, NV)
Frogs are ready to make leap Oct 24, 2009
With all those letters, it almost sounds like an algebra equation with an answer that may not be reached for another month. But at least part of it will be solved tonight when No. 10 Texas Christian visits 16th-ranked Brigham Young. (Boston Globe)
State's graduation exam passes test Oct 23, 2009
" The regulation calls for the state to provide 10 end-of-course exams, beginning with English literature, Algebra 1 and biology in 2010-11, with other English, math, science and social studies subjects being phased in through 2016-17. The state plans to ask the federal government to permit the first three exams to be used to satisfy the No Child Left Behind Act, beginning in 2012-13, thus enabling the state to discontinue the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exams in 11th grade. School... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Panel approves Keystone Exams for Pa. schools Oct 23, 2009
By 2014-15, most students who graduate will have demonstrated proficiency in English composition, literature, Algebra I and biology. Two years later that list will include English composition and literature and a selection from among Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, biology, chemistry, American history, world history and civics and government. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Frustrated parent: "How do you sleep at night?" Oct 22, 2009
Boca Raton High algebra teacher Suzi Grbinich wrote her own version of The Emperor's New Clothes. In this story, Johnson was the duped emperor and Hernandez was the tailor who had sold the county an ineffective plan. (The Palm Beach Post)
Get full recap of the meeting Oct 22, 2009
So now, are you finding yourself having to do a little algebra review in the evenings before you try to then teach to them later and later at night. How do you fit in scouting, sports, music, family dinner, maybe a little bonding time together, spouse time, all those time stealer s. Where s the quality. (The Palm Beach Post)
How to get Parent Power' Oct 21, 2009
Workshops cover topics ranging from how to help students prepare for end-of-course algebra tests to safe Internet use and how to avoid cyber-bullying. So far, Parent power has been slow to catch on. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
900 Students Sick With Flu Symptoms At 1 High School... Oct 21, 2009
It's just above 100," said Mueller. "We want parents to make the choice of keeping their child home if they're running a fever or have flu-like symptoms," said Dr. Don Schlomann, superintendent of District 303 schools. It was Dr. Schlomann who made the choice to shut the school for the rest of the week because it was tough to schedule classes with so few students around. "My algebra class had seven people in it," said Mueller. "It normally has 15. " "Yes, because so many people were missing, we... (The Drudge Report)
Cow? Chow? Congressman says: 'Just call me Joseph' Oct 20, 2009
My son, feeling unwell during the last flu season, had to leave in the middle of his algebra test. Half of his test was incomplete. (Fresno Bee)
You’ll never use this math again Oct 20, 2009
Robert Lerman, an economics professor and Urban Institute fellow, was quoted in a recent AJC Learning Curve column: Despite the thrust to require algebra II in high school, only 0 ... Against that backdrop, the Georgia Department of Education heavily invested in the rollout over the past several years of new math standards (math I, et al.) that far exceed the scope and expectations of algebra II. ... We do have algebra II as a touchstone for potential future work force needs: If we equate... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
LETTER: Looking out for othersis part of reform effort Oct 17, 2009
" Danny Boy wrote on Oct 15, 2009 11:34 AM:" Well I guess we're at that point in time where our High School teacher said algebra will someday save your life. Lets try. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Science study: Teacher participation in Columbia program improves student achievement in science Oct 17, 2009
To receive a regular high school diploma, students in New York State must pass, with a score of 65 or higher, five Regents Exams: Integrated Algebra, Global History and Geography, U.S. History and Government, Comprehensive English, and one science (Biology [Living Environment], Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics). So the link was clear for Dr. Silverstein. (EurekAlert!)
School leaders pitch reform ideas Oct 17, 2009
He pointed out the current system forces students into courses with ever-increasing difficulty when many of those classes, like Algebra II, will never be used in many students' professional lives ... "If this system stays in place, we will have students who make a D in Algebra and Geometry who are forced to take advanced math, because they can't go backward," he said. (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
Jeff Schultz is hot Oct 16, 2009
College football isn t math, but if it was it would be pig latin algebra. It will be close say GT31 VT27. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Hawaii's public students improve scores in math Oct 16, 2009
The test, administered to 2,800 fourth-grade students and 2,900 eighth-grade students, covered five mathematical areas, including measurements, geometry, data analysis, statistics, probability and algebra ... The test, administered to 2,800 fourth-grade students and 2,900 eighth-grade students, covered five mathematical areas, including measurements, geometry, data analysis, statistics, probability and algebra. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Video Q&A: School chiefs take questions Oct 16, 2009
The sophomores in AP Calc have to take the same assessments as the sophomores in algebra 1. Different students have different strengths, and students develop at different paces. (The Palm Beach Post)
Los Angeles students write songs, cook for Obama... Oct 15, 2009
" Would this suggest taxpayer funds were used to support one candidate over another? At the very least this is unethical. But hey, do what feels good and for this clown, the ends justify the means.","createdAt":"14 Oct 2009 20:03:01 GMT","fromUserId":7918844,"isDefaultUserIconUploaded":false,"isDisabled":false,"isVisible":true,"messageId":1067218,"pathToPhoto":"116995/icons/defaultMember_116995_portrait.jpg","reviewed":true,"updatedAt":"20090813055530","username":"anonymous_user"},{"body":"I... (The Drudge Report)
Students in Georgia top 2007 math scores Oct 15, 2009
"Even in sixth grade, we do a little of the algebra," she said. "So it's been a transition, and I think Columbia County has performed really well.". (The Augusta Chronicle)
Officials to ask groups to detail scholarship methods Oct 15, 2009
She noted he has an algebra class with six students and a teacher's aide in addition to the main instructor. "Where do you find (student-teacher) ratios like that?" she asked. (AZCentral -- News)
Mass. leads US in student math scores Oct 15, 2009
Students knowledge and abilities were tested in five areas: number properties and operations; measurement; geometry; data analysis, statistics, and probability; and algebra, the US Education Department said. The tests are given to a representative sampling of students. (Boston Globe)
MARSHFIELD AROUND TOWN: Don't miss special Town Meeting Oct 15, 2009
DiPaolo also received excellence awards in ethics/social justice and Modern World History II. Junior G. Zachary Robertshaw received an excellence award in Guitar Ensemble II. Sophomore Christopher J. Kennedy received an excellence award in Algebra I, and sophomore Matthew D. Nader received an excellence award in Algebra I.. BERRIO GRADUATES FROM LYNDON STATE. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Jeffrey Hernandez and Art Johnson live interview at 9:30 a.m. Oct 15, 2009
If the embedded assessments are meant to measure the students understanding of the material why are all 9th graders required to take the Algebra 1 assessment regardless of their math level. The framework for 9th grade intergrated science references chapter and page number of a textbook for the benchmark being taught. (The Palm Beach Post)
4th Graders Can't Add to Math Progress Oct 15, 2009
To give you an idea: The eighth grade, for example, is where the majority of the students will start algebra; but because of the upcoming standardized test, the teacher is forced to re-cover content that the student should already have a grasp of. This is the quandary that "No Child Left Behind? has introduced to our schools. ------------My opinion: The US government needs to stay out of the education business. Since the local school districts pay for the brunt of (over 75%) the education costs,... (CBS News -- US)
USC alum starts alternative school Oct 14, 2009
Patrick Barclay teaches algebra to the students a few days out of the week. Mastery is the key, not passing. (Gamecock Online, SC)
Orthopedic-parts industry is big tax target under health care bill Oct 14, 2009
"I figured the best thing to do was get into the orthopedic industry," says Funk, 29, who is taking algebra, blueprint reading and computer programming classes at here several nights a week. He hopes knowledge gained in the 12-month program will earn him a job in , a small town in a lake-dotted part of rural known as the "orthopedic manufacturing capital of the world.". (USA Today -- Money)
CBSE to also grade values, life skills Oct 12, 2009
Because soon, your attitude will count as much as your score in the last algebra test. The CBSE board, which is in the process of replacing marks with a grading system, may have stepped on something rather controversial. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Mother, daughter return to school Oct 12, 2009
By the fall of 2006, Mary returned to VC for a college algebra class offered at CHS. By this time, she was a substitute teacher at the high school. With her general studies taken care of, Mary is ready to eventually transfer to the University of Houston-Victoria to earn a bachelor of arts in secondary education to become a teacher. (Port Lavaca Wave, TX)
Salon keeps Evans in style Oct 12, 2009
When I hit algebra, that was it," she said. Her father was determined that she was going to learn a trade. She earned her GED in 1970. "My father said, 'You're going to be a hairdresser. I had no choice. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Going to the dogs pays off for Watertown teen Oct 11, 2009
Stateside, Klem gets his fix with Hummel doggies, a Connecticut staple, and uses hot dogs and chili dogs to teach freshman algebra at Newton North High School. His hot dog hang-up. (Boston Globe)
Math students create bike logo for path Oct 10, 2009
Stan Goldade's college math students are incorporating their algebra skills in a way that will last beyond the school year ... Using an algebraic formula, his students are currently designing a bike logo that will be easily seen. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Students take first round of HSAs Oct 9, 2009
Passing the four subject tests in the HSAs English, algebra, biology and government became a graduation requirement for the class of 2009. The class of 2010 will be the second class that will have the requirement. (Carroll County Times, MD)
Ask the Expert: Colorado Buffaloes Oct 9, 2009
He had to stay back in California to pass an Algebra class that he needed to qualify. Scott was out of shape and not used to the altitude. (Texas Sports -- Rivals.com)
