Two different approaches to math showing success

By René Hill (contact)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 | 4:42 p.m.

Rene Hill

A large-scale federal study has identified two math programs as effective in teaching early learners. Math Expressions and Saxon Math emerged in the large-scale study as promising even though they embody different approaches to teaching math in the K-2 grades. The study looked at four popular and philosophically distinct programs and found the Math Expressions, and Saxon Math as the best of the four.

The Saxon curriculum, published by Harcourt Achieve of Austin, Texas, offers a traditional scripted program in which teachers are guided in offering explicit instruction in effective math procedures. In contrast, the Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Co.'s Math Expressions curriculum integrates a more reform-oriented emphasis on student reasoning with direct teaching that is aimed at directing students to more advanced mathematical strategies. According to an article published in Education Week, Hank Keppner, the president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, sees that "we're not going to see a unique curriculum that all teachers can use with the same degree of effectiveness."

The results are the first part of a three-year-long study commissioned by the Department of Education. In all, publishers submitted eight programs for the study. An expert panel then chose four programs based on their popularity, publisher's capacity to provide teacher training, and diversity of teaching approaches they represent as a group.

While experts cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions, several said the results seem to validate the National Mathematics Advisory Panel's call last year for integrating a focus on promoting students' conceptual understanding of the subject with instruction on simple procedures. The panel further stated that it is no longer sensible to talk about teacher-directed versus students-directed approaches. Quality of education infers both. This tends to affirm the approach that there is no one way to teach. Students need a diverse approach to education because none of us learn the exact same way.

Rene Hill is an English teacher in the Clark County School District. She can be reached c/o The News, 2360 Corporate Circle, Third Floor, Henderson, NV 89074 or editor@hbcpub.com.