Edd+Caudill

=Edd Caudill's Reflection for The Ensworth School Math Science Committee=

Date:
AUGUST 15, 2007

//**"BEST IN CLASS MATH/SCIENCE LOWER, MIDDLE, HIGH SCHOOLS"**//

=SEMESTER GOAL #1....GATHERING INFORMATION=

ADMINISTRATOR/FACULTY/STUDENT/PARENT POLL OF WHAT MAKES UP A SUCCESSFUL/STRONG MATH/SCIENCE PROGRAM?

ADMINISTRATOR/FACULTY/STUDENT/PARENT POLL OF WHO HAS A SUCCESSFUL/STRONG MATH/SCIENCE PROGRAM?

=SEMESTER GOAL #2...HOW TO GATHER INFORMATION=


 * SELF SUDY OF E SCIENCE AND MATH DEPARTMENTS**

(IS IT ABOUT THE HUMAN ELEMENT AT ENSWORTH?)

1) observe E math and science classes

2) interview/poll and question administration/ chairs

3) interview/poll and question math/ science faculty

Joe Brady: "I think we should do a trial run with Harkness Tables in the algebra 1 classes and explore their usage in the math classrooms (and potentially to phase them into the integrated classes thereafter).

As a department, I'm not certain that our teaching philosophies at both campuses are all that similar. Obviously, not all strategies transfer very well through all grade levels, but it seems that some general philosophies about the use of homework, tutorial, test weights, etc. are inconsistent.

At the high school, I believe too little authority is given to the math instructors to teach their classes. They should have more control over the weights of assessments as appropriate to their classes."

Aaron Sundstrum: "My main two concerns are the discontinuity between the Red Gables/High School curriculum, and our "Integrated" curriculum. For the first issue, I think we need to be using the same Algebra 1 curriculum for students that take the class in 8th grade and those that take it in 9th grade.  I am continually amazed at skills I would consider basic for Algebra 1 students that Ensworth students don't have, and skills that I would consider more advanced that they do.

As for the Integrated curriculum, I think it needs a lot of work. As it stands, I feel that we have an Integrated 1 class that is basically an incomplete geometry course with some Algebra 1 review material dropped in. Similarly, the Integrated 2 curriculum seems feels like an incomplete Algebra 2 curriculum, with some geometry dropped in. My suggestion here is that we either work to overhaul the curriculum with the text we're using, or we shop for a truly integrated text and embellish as we go."

Regina Webster: "I think the mathematics department should have technology training sessions where information is presented and practice time is provided."

Walter Shultz: 1. I truly believe the Harkness table needs to be a part of our Math program. We are the ONLY course that does not have this. The fact that there is a lot of "board work" is a poor excuse as to why we would not use it. People can turn their chairs around to face the board. Not asking to much for the student to do so. The Harkness method fosters more communication between students. This is MUCH needed in Math.

2. More feedback from peers and department head. Both POSITIVE and NEGATIVE. We tend to provide only feedback when it is negative and that is wrong.

Tripp Shubert: "I think we should do a trial run with Harkness Tables in the algebra 1 classes and explore their usage in the math classrooms (and potentially to phase them into the integrated classes thereafter).

As a department, I'm not certain that our teaching philosophies at both campuses are all that similar. Obviously, not all strategies transfer very well through all grade levels, but it seems that some general philosophies about the use of homework, tutorial, test weights, etc. are inconsistent.

At the high school, I believe too little authority is given to the math instructors to teach their classes. They should have more control over the weights of assessments as appropriate to their classes."

Edd Caudill: "I would love to see Ensworth teach math with Harkness-style instruction."

4) interview/poll and question math/science students

5) interview/poll and question parents (possibly during parent conferences)

=SEMESTER GOAL #3=

ON WIKI, PUT NOTES FROM MCCALLIE STUDY/ EXETER STUDY