Even teachers who stand by the program have modified the course or supplemented it with traditional math work. Developed by a group of UC Davis professors and math teachers, the preparatory program debuted in 1989 but moved into widespread use in California schools in 1994. The program includes algebra I, geometry, algebra II and a fourth course similar to pre-calculus. The major difference between it and traditional math lies in the teaching. In traditional math, teachers lecture on math concepts.
Students apply what they learn by working through problems with pencil and paper.
The idea is that students learn better by using their hands to build images of math problems instead of hearing it from a teacher. The program's authors say it makes math easier for students who are more visually oriented. When they can actually see a physical representation of the algebraic idea, it gives them a context in which to develop it. But for some students, it is just not working. I students at Canyon Springs and Moreno Valley high schools flunked last spring, the program is under review.