Students leave elementary school as better problem solvers. Students leave junior high as better math readers. Students have better graphic calculator skills. Students have poor arithmetic skills. Students don't understand fractions and number sense.
Students lack estimation skills.
Kids are not strong enough readers in general. Students need to know when it is appropriate to use a calculator. Students need to be better estimators. Students need to master a specific skill before using a calculator. Beth Collins, Darren Wolf, Debra McDonald, Jennell LeBlanc, Kay Warner, Linda Molitor, Mary Ann Mead, Patti Buerman, Peggy Kohl, Peter Newland, Julie Peterson, Marc Franz, Debra Kropp, Lance Boole, Donna Williams Representatives from the Robbinsdale School District came to visit with our district math committee about their experiences with choosing a new math curriculum four years ago and their current experiences with integrated math curriculum in the middle and secondary schools.