Standards Examined
District Officials Pledge
Transparent Math Policy
By Lon Garrison, Mary Wegner, and Steve Bradshaw
The Sitka School Board and Sitka School District administration appreciates the efforts of the Sitka Sentinel to clarify a misrepresentation made in the November 8, 2012 Sitka Sentinel article titled Sitka Teachers Adopt Integrated Math Plan. This article led some readers to believe that the process had been completed in a non-transparent manner resulting in a decision about math instructional materials; however, this is not the case. In response to parental concerns about math instructional materials (i.e Core Plus Math) and Sitka School District concerns over student performance in the area of math, we have embarked on a multi-year process to examine and modify as needed math instructional practices. It was and continues to be the intent of the Sitka School Board and the district administration to gain public input and be completely transparent throughout this process. Let us be clear, neither the Board nor the administration have decided that integrated math will continue to be the instructional method for the district until we have had adequate review and public input.
The Sitka School Board, administration, and teachers are working to examine the new Alaska and Common Core national standards in the area of math. (Note: The Common Core national standards are not connected in any way to the CORE Plus math instructional tools used at Sitka High School.) To achieve this goal, we are developing a K-12 Math Curriculum Map that will clearly articulate the math learning expectations at every grade level. We are also heavily involved in providing professional development for teachers in the new standards, both in the content of the standards and in assessment of student performance. Both of these initiatives are direct recommendations of the Math Audit conducted during the 2011-12 school year, and reflect best practices in math instruction. At the end of this process, it is the District’s hope to be able to make a determination about the materials that will best prepare our students to obtain mastery of the new math standards. Our intent is to be transparent with the public about each step of our process. District administration presented this information to the public at Tuesday night’s School Board Meeting.
There is still much work to be done and we want to assure the community that we will continue to include and inform the public throughout our long and multi-faceted process.
And while we have your attention… Please share your thoughts to our Strategic Plan’s Vision, Mission, and Values Survey, which is a 3-question multiple-choice survey that is built on the feedback from our first Community Input Survey. The survey can be found at our website (sitkaschools.org) and closes on November 14th.
Thank You, Kerry
Dear Editor: A few weeks ago all the sixth-graders went out into our garden and became research Martians who were looking for the components of soil and how it is made. After they had examined the soil contents and failed to recreate it, they had to consult an “earthling” farmer who was happy to share his knowledge. He gave them a great recipe and had them measure compost ingredients and place them into a composter and rotate it to add air. This wonderful farmer was also kind enough to teach them a song that he played on his homemade tub base called “Dirt Made My Lunch.” Then the Martian students were able to recreate soil on their own planet.
This wonderful activity was developed by a community leader and former middle school teacher that we all know by the name of Kerry MacLane. Kerry came dressed up as a Martian complete with glasses, cape and head gear with his assistant Sheri Mayo who had on a giant red Martian wig and Martian glasses. After the students were sent off to consult an “earthling,” they found Kerry transformed into a farmer complete with straw hat, pitchfork and southern accent. Also Dave Nuetzel was on hand to help with the project. At the end of the activity, Kerry led the students over to the raised bed that last year’s Blatchley students worked on under his guidance in the BMS Gardening Club. Kerry led this activity for six PERIODS!
To be honest I knew that Kerry MacLane had many talents in leading our community in our “gardening explosion” and other events, but I did not know he is also a very good middle school teacher (although he says, “retired”) with a smile. I have to tell you, this man has skills and a vision for our community that he sees through our children. We are very fortunate indeed to have people in our community that love our kids and believe in their future enough to prepare them for what may be some tough times ahead. Gunalcheesh, Kerry, for all the things you do for our community!
Patty Dick,
Blatchley Middle School
Harvest Event Thanks
Dear Editor: There is no way to adequately express my gratitude for and appreciation of all the kindness and concern shown me the past several months, and I am simply overwhelmed by the generosity of all who participated in the community harvest dinner and dance this past weekend. There is nothing more healing than such support from so many. What an affirmation of the power of community – it is indeed the best of who we are!
A thousand, million THANK YOUs to all! With deep appreciation,
Donna Donohoe, Sitka
P.S.: If ever you need an inspired event organizer, Pat Kehoe is the person to call.
