Candidates debate curriculum requirements

Debra D. Bass

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

On the surface, substituting woodworking for algebra doesn't seem like imposing high standards.

But Terry Garcia-Cahlan argues that woodworking -- along with a number of other vocational classes that count toward the graduation requirements in math, science and English -- does teach math principles. She believes such courses are ideal for students who ask, "Why in the world am I learning this?" and "What relevance does it have in the real world?"

The key is balancing practical, vocational skills with the theoretical principles of math, she said.

Frank Mathews, Garcia-Cahlan's opponent for the state Board of Education Subdistrict A seat, doesn't buy that argument.

"Come on, woodworking for a math credit? Give me a break," said Mathews, a high school math and computer teacher. "If you want industrial arts teachers teaching math, that's one way to go, but I think math teachers should teach math. It's a novel concept."

Mathews has worked in Clark County for the past 17 years and says he is depressed by the dumbing down of the curriculum by allowing such substitutions.

"I don't mind teaching practical skills, but not like this. If students have trouble with a math concept, we can relate it to other things," Mathews said. "I tell my students, 'You don't want to get ripped off, so let's learn about interest, compound interest and variable rates."'

He said the alarming rate of substitutions was the trigger that convinced him to run for the board. He said the state board is at a juncture where it can really turn around the ailing statistics in Nevada's education system, but he doesn't think the current board is doing what needs to be done.

Mathew said that he would even advocate having a state board appointed by the governor, which is done in nearly 40 other states. It would allow for more accountability, he said, especially since most of the current board members ran unopposed.

Nevada ranks 50th in the nation for early childhood education programs, and Garcia-Cahlan said it is likely no coincidence that drop-out rates are soaring and student achievement levels are poor.

"If you make classes applicable and pull it into line with the curriculum, it makes a difference to the students and makes it more advantageous for the entire society," she said. "What difference does it make (if it is a vocational class) if they are learning the same concepts and acquiring the same skills."

She pointed to a national statistic that 4 out of 5 college graduates couldn't figure out the cubic measurements of carpet.

"The bottom line is that the substitution courses meet the curriculum framework, and the main point is that the students are interested and are learning these other things," Garcia-Cahlan said.

She said her efforts with the Success by 6 program will also increase student learning and interest. The program, which operates on a partnership with a number of agencies, attempts to place all students on a level playing field educationally by the age of 6.