Yesterday was our highest traffic day since we started this website, so it might be a good time to reiterate why some of us object to Investigations, the elementary math program currently in use in SCASD. From this site’s “About PQME” page:
What’s the Problem with TERC’s “Investigations”?
Parents who have complaints about “Investigations” are not arguing for rote memorization of math facts or “mindless” drilling. No one has suggested that considering the concepts behind math operations is a bad idea. Students and parents have been frustrated by “Investigations” overemphasis on written explanations of thinking, lack of the practice that that is necessary for computational efficiency, excessive use of calculators, failure to introduce the standard U.S. algorithm, simplistic homework, and poor preparation for pre-algebra, algebra, and higher math classes. For further background on how programs like “Investigations” came to be, read this historical account by Cal State-Northridge mathematician David Klein. For detailed explanations and critiques of TERC’s “Investigations” follow the links in the sidebar at right, particularly Bill Quirk’s site and the video “Math Education: An Inconvenient Truth”.
