The Core Knowledge Blog

Proponents of a more traditional, rigorous approach to teaching mathematics should read this piece from the Los Angeles Times about the success a struggling Hollywood elementary school has enjoyed with Singapore Math.

Several Core Knowledge schools have reported strong results from Singapore and Saxon math programs, and the paper does a good job of showing why. Describing what appears to be a standard timed drill (the dreaded “drill and kill” that reform advocates blithely dismiss) the Times smartly reports: “What isn’t obvious to a casual observer is that this drill is carefully thought out to reinforce patterns of mathematical thinking that carry through the curriculum. ‘These are ‘procedures with connections,’ math coach Robin Ramos said, arranged to convey sometimes subtle points. This thoughtfulness — some say brilliance — is the true hallmark of the Singapore books, advocates say.”

As the paper notes, California recently became the first state to include the Singapore series on its list of state-approved elementary math texts, and will subsidize schools’ purchase of the books. “Being on the list puts an important imprimatur on the books,” notes the Times, “because California is by far the largest, most influential textbook buyer in the country.”

Also this week: an anticipated report from the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, which is expected to urge U.S. teachers to promote “quick and effortless” recall of arithmetic facts in early grades. Taken together, it’s a potent one-two punch that coupled with a rising tide of parent activism, may be turning the tide against reform or constructivist math programs like Everyday Math.

A consummation devoutly to be wished.