They use calculators, participate in group discussions and often there is no teacher instruction.
Supporters say it helps kids understand math and use it in real-life situations.
Opponents say the vague, unstructured teaching is confusing and abandons accepted practices - such as memorizing formulas. Texas State Board of Education members David Bradley and Richard Neill both oppose the new math and co-wrote an editorial encouraging school districts to continue with traditional math teachings. Instead of teaching students how to solve problems, 'fuzzy' math lets students investigate their own solutions, while providing no model. Students are kept busy - reinventing the wheel,'' wrote Bradley and Neill. Pilot programs for the new math are now in place at districts in Corpus Christi, Beaumont, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso and Plano.