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BOARD BRIEFS
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AT KENDALL |
March, 2005
Rick Gantman, Superintendent
In its continuing work toward district-wide school improvement, the school board is pleased to report about the ongoing school improvement process at Kendall Elementary. Last year Kendall staff identified mathematics as an area needing immediate attention. Math has always been an area of emphasis at all Mt. Baker schools. Even so, our staff asked the tough question, “Is our math program strong enough?”
The math study team led a year-long effort to find a way of teaching math that would be based on learning and understanding math concepts at a deep level. We found the answer in a Bellingham-based nationally recognized mathematics educator, Kathy Richardson and her program, Math Perspectives.
Supported by a federal 3-year grant, our staff participated in four days of teacher training prior to this school year. All classroom teachers receive a minimum of a half-day of math training each month. This effort will continue through the 2006-07 school year.
Mathematics has really come alive at Kendall School. Here are a few reactions from staff to our efforts this year:
· “It’s exciting to see the ‘aha’ moments when students’ eyes light up and they not only understand their thinking, but are also able to explain it. This approach to learning supports success in all academic areas.” (Jamine Moss-Owen, Kindergarten Teacher)
· “Most 1st graders can tell you, instantly, how old they will be on their next birthday, but many have trouble with 6+1=, when it is written as a math problem. This new math program is bridging that gap, so my students know the quantities that numbers signify, as easily as they know their own age.” (Suzanne Yorks, 1st Grade Teacher)
