Prince William parents would have the option to pull their children out of the controversial Math Investigations program, under a recent proposal by the school board chairman.
Under Chairman Milton C. Johns’ proposal, any parent of a rising first- through fifth-grader could request traditional math textbook-based instruction by April 30.
“In any grade level where there are enough students to comprise an economically feasible traditional math text class, at least one will be formed,” Johns said in a statement. “ ‘Economically feasible’ will vary from school to school.”
Superintendent of Schools Steven Walts would report how many “traditional” classes would be formed and at which schools by May 31, under Johns’ proposal.
The plan materialized nearly three weeks after a contentious school board meeting at which many parents expressed their misgivings about the Technical Education Research Centers’ Math Investigations program. The MI curriculum uses drawing, games and series of equations to solve elementary addition, subtraction, multiplication and division questions for kindergartners through fifth-graders.
“It seemed like the board members were a little less heated than they were on Jan. 21,” said Greg Barlow, of Dumfries, one of more than 1,550 to sign a petition to allow parents to opt their children out of the program.
Under the plan, students could transfer to a different school to comprise an “economically feasible” class, but parents would have to provide their own transportation for these students.
“We just want a more rigorous math program,” said Alexis Miller, of the Coles District, adding that schools should “teach to the level of the children, not the lowest common denominator.”
Barlow said he thought the proposal was “reasonable,” adding, “I think [Johns] has given it a lot of thought.”
A vote on the proposal could take place as early as Wednesday, at the board’s next meeting.
“It shows that at least they’re listening,” Miller said. “Or at least some of them are.”
The county began using Math Investigations for kindergartners through fifth-graders in 2006.
