Well, I know I haven't blogged in a while. I just haven't had any reason to. I am no longer active in the sales world for math. However, in the last 3 weeks I have received multiple emails from a district I used to work in. They are in the process of a math adoption. Any teacher knows that this is not a fun time. You have teachers who love each program, for their own reasons. And none of them are wrong. REALLY, they have reasons they like certain programs. Nothing that is said can change that. However, it is appalling to me that ease is a reason to keep a math program. "It will be easier, to keep the current program." Are you kidding me???? Seriously???
First off, the only reason to keep a program is if it is effective for your children. THE ONLY REASON. This means, test scores are going up, kids are becoming proficient, and math is flourishing in your building. If that is happening, keep the program...But odds are, if you are looking for a new adoption, that isn't happening.
Secondly, all adoptions are hard. It doesn't matter what program you choose. You are going to struggle implementing it. But I have always said at inservices or just talking with people, that the struggle is worth it. Those kids learning is the whole point of this process. Playing the safe route only benefits the teachers.
Third, do your research. Don't let the salesperson make your choice. It's there job to make their program sound perfect. NO PROGRAM IS PERFECT. NONE. If that was out there, everyone would be using it...There is a reason states are banning certain texts. There is a reason certain math programs are in the news. Read up. Look at the pros and cons. If you don't know how to do that, contact me or someone you know and trust to help with it. Really, our children are too important to take these decisions lightly.
And finally, don't let the few loud teachers make the choice. Everyone needs to be involved. Contact me if you need anything...PLEASE...
