More math info

Laurie Rogers, one of the members of the Parents’ Council, asked me to post the following information for parents:

Debbie Knutson, who runs a tutoring business in Spokane, and I have been discussing how parents can determine how much mathematics their children actually know. Currently, Washington State standardized tests and Spokane’s standardized tests are not structured to do this job adequately. Through no fault of the teachers, many parents are thus receiving a skewed understanding of their children’s mathematical progress. A different assessment is needed, one that is more closely connected to the more rigorous standards.

We have decided to host free math assessments on March 21 for as many students as we can. We hope this idea will catch on in other areas of the state and country. If the students have gaps in mathematical skill and knowledge, their parents should have a chance to take appropriate steps before the next school year.

Following is our press release. We hope you can join us here in Spokane, or - if you are not in Spokane - consider doing something similar in your area. If you have any questions, please let me know at wlroge@comcast.net or contact Debbie Knutson at Education NW Resources.

On March 21, 2009, from 1-5 p.m., Education NW Resources will conduct free assessments in mathematics for students in grades 2-12. The assessments are intended to reflect essential math skills and international math standards. Each assessment will be about 30-45 minutes long, and will take place at Education NW Resources, 9429 N. Newport Highway.

“Our entire purpose is to educate parents on the existence of the new state math standards, and on how their children are doing with basic math skills,” Deborah Knutson said. “Our experience tells us that many students in the area have serious gaps in critical skills, and also that many parents are unaware of how wide those gaps are.”

Knutson noted that, in 2008, Washington State’s math standards were revised substantially, increasing their rigor and emphasizing more “traditional” algorithms and concepts. However, the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) doesn’t yet reflect these changes, and the planned “end-of-course” tests haven’t yet been implemented.

“We hope parents will take advantage of these assessments,” Knutson said. “They’re relatively short, they’re free, and they’ll give parents a better idea of where their children are in mathematical skill.”

Parents can call 323-4950 to register, or they can register at the door. Seating is limited, however. Please call to reserve a seat and a time.

Contact: Deborah Knutson , Phone: (509) 323-4950, info@educationnwresources.com