What did you expect?

From the ASCD Blog:

“More math, particularly Algebra, in California high schools has yet to pay off. Last week’s most-clicked Smartbrief story reported that enrollment in remedial math courses still remains high in California Universities, leading many to question why high school reforms are not transferring to college-preparedness.”

Are we surprised? This is much less an issue of what we teach than an issue of how it is taught.

Standards are not the problem. Expectations for student learning and the pervasive “sit and get” culture of high school mathematics teaching are the culprits. Our focus needs to extend beyond the curriculum to include sound instructional strategies.