• From: Lisa Papas <papasl@gpschools.org>
    Date: Mon, Mar 21, 2022 at 1:24 PM
    Subject: article on math programs
    To: Grosse Pointe School Board <schoolboard@gpschools.org>


    Interesting article on a high performing district that got rid of Everyday Math by University of Chicago in favor of Singapore Math.

    Arlington Heights School District 25 drops University of Chicago math instruction for Singapore model - Chicago Tribune

    I have been opposed to Everyday Math, and was sad to see the district newsletter promoting it.

    It is important to know that some of the Phds that Everyday Math used to promote their program, claiming that they had been involved and endorsed the curriculum, publicly disavowed the use of their names, and were upset that their names were used.

    Singapore Math has a much better track record.

    I also am curious to know if we have any statistics on how many of our GPPSS students are enrolled in after school tutoring programs in both reading and math? 

    One of my biggest concerns as a classroom teacher and as a parent here, is that poorly designed curriculum creates the disparity in learning.    Here in our community, parents often pay out of pocket for supplemental learning programs when the program in a particular subject  fails the student.   

    I also understand that we piloted three math programs several years ago, and that some of the teachers favored a different program, but that Everyday Math was chosen.

    We are blessed with talented teachers that can teach their subject matter even if the curriculum lacks.    

    I would like our students to have the best programs we can purchase.   I hope we can look into Singapore Math and other programs for the future.

    Lisa Papas, Trustee
    Grosse Pointe Public School System
    313-618-9615  (after 3 p.m. M-F)  and weekends
    lisaapapas@comcast.net (personal email address)

    Note:  The opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the balance of the Board of Trustees and/or the administration of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Emails sent to or from this email address are accessible by the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).