Letter From the Principal

June already, is it possible? Only a few short months ago, I was writing to introduce myself and welcome you to the 2006-07 school year. Over the course of the year, I have been richly blessed by participating in your child’s education and getting to know the boys and girls, teachers and parents that make up this marvelous learning community. Most of you have done more within the walls of this school house than can possibly be listed, and all our children are improved by your efforts. So, whether your part has been popping Friday popcorn, or hunkering down in the hallway listening to children read, or chairing a PTA program, or chaperoning a super-energized herd of students on a field trip…THANK YOU!

 

Give your student a pat on the back and thumbs up to Issaquah Valley’s teachers: we just received an Academic Improvement Award from the Office of Public Instruction for our 2005-06 WASL score in writing! As you know, IVE’s school improvement goal for the last three years has been on writing – and our 4 th graders’ scores demonstrate real growth as a result of our focus. Well done!

Some of you have been asking me about our district’s elementary math adoption process. You’ve been asking me what IVE’s teachers think about Everyday Math or Trailblazers. It might interest you to know that our teachers and our Site Council are composing a letter to submit to the school board in support of the adoption committee’s recommendation of Everyday Math. Let me share with you several teacher comments followed by a few common questions and district responses:

 

“At the primary level, Everyday Math is a tremendous improvement over Trailblazers. It is much easier for teachers to navigate; the lessons are much more appropriate and attractive. The level of thinking is just challenging enough while allowing for more advanced students to progress comfortably. The lessons we did were engaging and the children really enjoyed the activities.”

 

“The lessons that I have done so far in Everyday Math have been developmentally appropriate for my class. After teaching an initial lesson, students have been able to complete supplemental assignments either independently or with a partner, with little to no additional instructions from me. The lessons are also kid-friendly and motivational in terms of content, length, and application. Students have told me that they are enjoying the new program, which is a good confidence builder, and from what I have seen so far, the lessons are purposeful and meaningful.”

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON'T ADOPT NEW MATERIALS THIS YEAR?
The current Board-approved and adopted materials-the 1998 edition of Math Trailblazers-will remain in place if the adoption does not move forward. We are coming to the end of the shelf-life of this edition and several components are now out of print. The adoption workgroup would consider whether or not to recommend updating to the latest edition of Math Trailblazers for fall 2007.

 

HOW DOES THE GOVERNOR'S PLAN FOR MATH IMPACT ISSAQUAH'S ADOPTION?
Our adoption timeline allows us to closely monitor the legislative process so our choice is compatible with whatever actions occur this session. We will not make a final decision until after the Legislature completes its work. However, the state is also looking to us as they respond to the state's mathematics needs. (more)

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT TEACHERS PICK THE MATH CURRICULUM? SHOULDN'T PARENTS HAVE MORE SAY?
Instructional materials are the professional tools teachers use to do their job. Teachers have expertise in teaching groups of children, how children learn, district and state learning targets, and expectations. While many people know and understand math, it takes a professional teacher to understand how to teach math to a diverse group of students. The process of selecting curriculum is highly technical. The adoption workgroup must find materials that align closely with the state's Grade Level Expectations; just as importantly, the materials must support learning for ALL students and appropriately guide new and veteran teachers. (more…)

Remember, research shows that the quality of the teacher is five times more important than the materials or curriculum tools he or she might use. One teacher said: “We are teachers with a ‘whole bag of tricks.’ The materials are just a tool.” Since our district recognizes that the key to math learning is the teacher, there will be a plan for professional development and implementation. Our teachers will be supported in gaining skills in mathematics and learning to use the tools they have. As a building, we have spent over a month looking at and teaching lessons from Everyday Math, and are hopeful that the curriculum be adopted.

 

Again, thank you all for a great year and enjoy a safe summer!