Well, well, well

Thanks to the School District website, I see that January is School Board Recognition Month.

             

School Board Directors sans Scott

January is School Board Recognition month, giving us an opportunity to thank our Board members Elaine Cappucci-President, Lawrence Lebowitz- Vice-President, Mary Birks, William Cooper, Scott Goldman, Edward Kubit, William Moorhead, Daniel Remely, and Michael Riemer, who volunteer so much of their time to provide strong public schools for our community. For more than 175 years, communities in Pennsylvania have had a voice in the operation of their schools through a locally elected board of school directors consisting of individuals from their community. These people are our neighbors, friends, community leaders, and parents– all with one common goal – making sure students are properly educated in preparation for life. 

Our School Board enables us to have local control of our public schools, meaning that decisions on school programs are made by local, elected representatives who understand the community’s unique challenges, values, culture and circumstances. With the advice and counsel of the educational professionals they hire, our school board has a bearing on virtually every aspect of our schools. It’s a huge responsibility and we are thankful to our board members for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing the best education possible for our students and a strong school system that benefits our community.

Yep, there they are, all except Scott Goldman. Not even a cardboard cutout of the lone wolf, or is it coyote? Scott Goldman is the only one who says what he feels and votes according to his conscience. For that, he doesn't make the photo, I guess.

This is the group that will be approving a $74,000 trophy case tonight, a number that is listed as the low responsible bid. What it really represents is the ONLY responsible bid. I missed a golden opportunity. I should have subcontracted a cabinet maker and submitted a bid for $70,000 and make a tidy profit.  Boy, did I screw up.

We are thankful for this group of dedicated volunteers who brought us TERC Investigations, Go Zones, $2.6+ million in change orders, student parking fees, activity fees, lucrative salary deals for administrators, and for hitting a new low in rudeness to stakeholders and parents.

Yes, we are thankful. Happy School Board Recognition Month!

MTLSD implements changes to math curriculum

From Lebomathfacts.org:

LeboMathFacts.org Important Update

It's hard to believe that it's been one year since we launched lebomathfacts.org. Today we have good news to report. At the present time, the Mt Lebanon School District is beginning to implement changes to the math curriculum that should address many of the concerns that parents had with the math program. These changes include not only curriculum content, but increased teacher support, teacher training and updated classroom materials aligned with the Common Core. Although changes to the math curriculum have begun this school year, the updated curriculum will not be fully implemented until the 2014-2015 school year. The updated math curriculum will meet and, in some areas, exceed Common Core standards. We should begin to see the following changes in our schools. Math Facts The mastery targets for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division basic facts have been updated, made more robust, and accelerated. Math fact instruction will occur both in the classroom and as homework. Testing of math facts will include a pre-test and both timed and untimed assessments. Standard Algorithms Standard US algorithms for addition, subtraction, multiplication and long division will be taught as part of the math curriculum and presented to students following a conceptual foundation of math functions. The Common Core curriculum calls for fluency in addition and subtraction using the standard algorithms by 4th grade, fluency in multiplication by 5th grade, and fluency in division by 6th grade. The district expects to introduce standard algorithms in earlier grade levels than the Common Core standards. Fractions and Decimals Instruction in fractions and decimals will be significantly expanded and more rigorous in the updated curriculum. By the end of grade 5 students will be expected to add, subtract, multiply and divide with both fractions and decimals in plain computation and in problems solving settings. We look forward to these changes, and thank you for your interest and support.

TERC Investigations continues

In the earlier post Are families leaving Lebo? UPDATED, a comment was made which was absolutely offensive to me. No, not the one using the word "whores," but the one stated at 1:12 PM on September 18, 2013.

Hundreds of parents in Mt Lebo are unhappy with the state of math in our schools.

Hundreds.  In fact, people are still signing the math petition, PETITION TO ASK THE MT. LEBANON SCHOOL DISTRICT TO REVIEW K-5 MATH CURRICULUM THE USE OF TERC INVESTIGATIONS

From what I understand, the math parents met with Dr. Steinhauer and Dr. Irvin (from Lincoln) in early summer. This was after the school board told the parents to sit down and be quiet. The math family most outspoken at the school board meeting, pulled their children out of Mt. Lebanon Schools. I cannot get any solid numbers (ironic, huh?) on how many children were pulled out of the school system due to the math program, but at least five families left one elementary school because of TERC Investigations.

Nothing has changed. Children are not taught how to stack and carry and borrow. Fourth graders are still reviewing addition!

Which brings me to the following question. What is the status of Deb Allen's contract? She was supposed to be gone three years ago.

Are families leaving Lebo? UPDATED

A recent comment made to me was that several (five or six) families left one of the elementary schools over the math program. I asked someone to file a Right To Know for me asking for the number of families, per school, who left Mt. Lebanon School District this year.

You may remember one of my more popular posts, Those "math professionals" can't do math  UPDATED 6x 

It is ironic that Ed Kubit said that he was satisfied with the way Timmy handled the TERC Investigations parents considering the anonymous comment made today at 12:29 PM,

I guess Mr. Kubit feels that getting the parents to go away and be quiet is considered a success.

So the RTK request is timely. Here is the information. Right To Know response

Update September 17, 2013 6:10 PM A resident asked for the Third Day Report, which lists school enrollment by grade and building. Elaine Cappucci responded with her typical "It is on the website." Thanks to Dr. Steinhauer for taking the time to explain WHERE the report is located on the website. Third Day Report

Had enough with PSSA testing? UPDATED

Perhaps it is because I don't have any kids in school, but I was not aware that parents and children have the right to opt out of PSSA testing. There is so much emphasis on PSSAs, that teachers seem to be teaching to the test. Our school board doesn't want to listen to parents who have concerns over the TERC Investigations math program.  Based on some reports that parents have shared with me, the school board won't even consider changing anything unless the PSSA math scores go down.  It seems as though that is all MTLSD cares about.

I found some websites that may be helpful to parents who are not aware of their rights. Here is a How-to on Opting Out in Pennsylvania.

So before March Madness (PSSA testing) begins please take some time to seriously consider the future of your child’s education. Remember, our children only get one chance at a quality education. The PSSAs and the culture of high stakes testing have denied a generation of children a quality education. It is time to put an end to this punitive system. It’s time to allow our teachers to get back to what they do best—teach. It’s time to demand that our public schools be given back to us. It’s time to make sure our children receive the education they deserve. It’s time to OPT OUT!

Sample Letter

         To: TSteinhauer@mtlsd.net        

         Dear Dr. Steinhauer,

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d)(5) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child excused from any State standardized testing because of religious and philosophical beliefs.

Are there any repercussions for Opting Out?  Quite the contrary according to Timothy Slekar. Timothy D. Slekar is an Associate Professor of teacher education and Head of the Division of Education, Human Development, and Family Studies at Penn State Altoona.

Dr. Slekar began his career in education as a 2nd grade teacher in Williamsburg, VA. He also taught 5th grade in York, PA. Dr. Slekar attended the University of Maryland at College Park where he earned his Ph. D. in social studies education. During his studies Dr. Slekar worked with 7th and 8th grade teachers in the city of Baltimore. Dr. Slekar has published research in some of the top educational research journals (Teacher Education Quarterly, Theory and Research in Social Education, Journal of Thought). Dr. Slekar also co-hosts a local talk radio show in central PA (Tuesdays at 11:00 am eastern on WRTA 1240 am). The show is devoted to teachers and teaching in public schools. Dr Slekar and Dr. Shaun Johnson also host At The Chalk Face (BlogTalkRadio) Progressive Education Talk. Contact Tim at tds12@psu.edu or 412-735-9720.

Dr. Slekar is one of the administrators of unitedoptout.com.

ABOUT US

Members of this site are parents, educators, students and social activists who are dedicated to the elimination of high stakes testing in public education. We use this site to collaborate, exchange ideas, support one another, share information and initiate collective local and national actions to end the reign of fear and terror promoted by the high stakes testing agenda.

Pine-Richland School District offers Frequently Asked Questions about the PSSA on their website and may be helpful to the concerned Mt. Lebanon parents who don't want their children's scores that their $$ and extra work with tutoring might have influenced.  If the School District won't work with you, consider opting out of the PSSA. It is your right.

Update February 6, 2013 3:15 PM  There is a Rally For Public Education this weekend featuring Dr. Tim Slekar.  Find out WHY you would opt out and what these high stakes tests are doing to public education.

Rally for Public Education! by YinzerThing One year ago over 250 people Rallied for Public Education in the middle of a February snowstorm. This year we will do it again -- even bigger, but inside where it's warmer. Remember these fabulous students who spoke about the effects of budget cuts on their schools? They helped spark an entire grassroots movement. Tia Torres speaks at the 2012 Rally for Public Education Students from the Arts Greenhouse program speak at the 2012 Rally for Public Education. Our public schools are still staggering under massive state budget cuts. Students in Pennsylvania have lost almost 20,000 of their teachers in the past two years. Our kids have lost music, art, library, languages, tutoring programs, full-day Kindergarten and more. Here in Southwest PA, our children are sitting in classes with 35 and even 39 students. And this year they will take even more high-stakes, standardized tests, spending several months of the school year on nothing but test prep and test taking. Enough is enough! Come RALLY FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION on Sunday, February 10, 2013. 3PM at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty (5941 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206). This is about equity, social justice, and a great public education for all our children. Join hundreds of other volunteer parents, students, teachers, and concerned community members who have been making a real difference in the grassroots movement for our public schools as we: Celebrate what we've achieved this past year working together Respond to Gov. Corbett's new budget proposal (which he will announce on Feb. 5th) Issue an urgent Call to Action for our public schools Featuring: Performances by student groups, Anne Feeney, the Squirrel Hillbillies, and more! Community conversation with Dr. Tim Slekar (head of the education department at Penn State Altoona, host of the education radio program At the Chalkface, and a national leader of United Opt Out) Special free showing of the new pro-public education documentary, "Brooklyn Castle," under special arrangement with the producers We already have confirmation from local legislators who are planning to come as well as key community leaders. For example, we are honored to learn that civil rights leader Carl Redwood will be joining us. The media is invited and this is going to be big. Please mark your calendars now and help us spread the word: go to our Facebook event page to RSVP and use the “invite friends” button to reach out to your networks. Let’s see if we can make our invitation list grow to over 1,000. We can do it! And I can’t wait to Rally with you. YinzerThing | January 28, 2013 at 12:23 pm | Categories: advocacy event: Take Action!, Pennsylvania State Budget, Public Education | URL: http://wp.me/p288Ox-ox Comment    See all comments

 

A case for traditional math

Letters to editor/South
January 31, 2013 5:59 am
/ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


A case for traditional math

Mt. Lebanon parents who have been raising issues about the elementary math program this year have concerns regarding content in the program, namely the late and sparse treatment of traditional algorithms in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and of traditional methods of computation with rational numbers (fractions).

The concerns are not about the methodology of teaching math in those classrooms, which is currently using a guided inquiry type approach framed by the sole use of TERC Investigations. This program incorporates positive improvements to the math classroom: problem solving, context and multiple strategies to analyze and discuss problems. However, traditional algorithms are not among those many strategies until fourth and fifth grades, and the students are therefore using less efficient algorithms (processes) to complete those problems for many years before advancement in the concepts can be achieved.

All of the positive aspects of the TERC Investigations program (conceptual foundations, group discussions, problem-solving strategies, mathematical thinking, mathematical literacy and positive disposition) can be incorporated into the teaching of traditional algorithms and fraction computations that include finding common denominators. Significant mathematics exist in the traditional algorithms and fractions, and these standard strategies can be used to extend the conceptual understandings of our students -- even in second and third grades. The avoidance of these traditional procedures until fourth and fifth grades serves no purpose in securing a conceptual understanding of mathematics, but does ensure that these traditional procedures are not the primary or fluent method of computation in problem solving for our students.

Regardless of future career choices as adults, the significant learning and education gained through both creative and enjoyable problem-solving tasks are no more important than the significant skills and training gained through mastering efficient procedural tasks.

Our students deserve a complete education in math, and with the positive elements of the TERC program, they can certainly rise to the challenge of mastering the traditional basics with a true understanding of the concepts behind them.

KRISTIN HAGINS

Mt. Lebanon

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-south/letters-to-editorsouth-672824/

Investigating TERC Investigations

Background

May 21, 2007, the Mt. Lebanon School Board approved TERC Investigations, based on the recommendation of math curriculum supervisor, Mr. Greg Wensell. Mt. Lebanon School District Elementary Math Curriculum (K-5) Frequently Asked Questions

A Letter to Parents Announcing the Reorganization from Dr. Steinhauer was sent April 5, 2011.  At the April 18, 2011 School Board meeting, Dr. Steinhauer announced that Greg Wensell,  the Supervisor of Mathematics was replacing retiring principal, Mike Schnirel at Jefferson Elementary School. http://bloglebo.blogspot.com/2011/04/school-board-approves-first-steps-of.html

Less than three months later, Wensell joined South Fayette July 5 as principal of grades three, four and five. South Fayette school plan wins township approvals


Sample of teaching materials and homework sheets
(from http://investigations.terc.edu/index.cfm)

How Far From 100?


Photos of actual Mt. Lebanon homework papers

Saving the best for last

The unintended consequences of the TERC Investigations Math Curriculum

A 3rd grade student explains how to solve a "hard" addition problem using the TERC/Investigations method she learned in school.

Those "math professionals" can't do math UPDATED 6x

The TERC Petition currently shows there is a minimum of 272 concerned parents interested in the Mt. Lebanon School District math program. I say minimum because a few signatures show two parents signing together. There are also anonymous signers which may have multiple signatures. So what do the "math professionals" do? They schedule a math presentation for the Jefferson Middle School Library.

Even though I have not been to any school board meetings in their new location, I went to Jefferson Elementary and Junior High (now called Jefferson Middle School) and know that the JMS Library is much smaller than the High School Library. I think I figured out the problem. The "math professionals" can't do math.

From the District home page,

Curriculum Presentation at School Board Meeting
Starting this month, there will be presentations at the Regular School Board meetings on curriculum and programs. This month, an overview of the K-12 mathematics curriculum will be presented.

Starting this month, there will be presentations at the Regular School Board meetings on curriculum and programs." Coincidentally," there will be an overview of the math curriculum tonight. The "math professionals" are so confident that they are providing the best education possible to each and every student, there couldn't possibly be more than the six parents who initially met with the School District attending this presentation. Since 650 parents showed up for the elementary school Math Night, wouldn't that be an indication that the venue needs to change? 272+ concerned parents signed the petition. Lebomathfacts.org is urging parents to attend so that they can to evaluate the information for themselves. Please visit their website. It is excellent.

If the room is too small to handle the number of attendents, keep in mind that parents have the right to move the meeting to another location or to reschedule the presentation.

Update January 22, 2013 12:45 PM  Presentation by Mt. Lebanon Parents for a Balanced Math Curriculum representatives
Copy of MTLSD presentation is not available.

Update January 22, 2013 3:49 PM Mt. Lebanon School District K-12 Mathematics Program has just been added to the District website.

Update January 23, 2013 2:00 PM Mt. Lebanon teachers defend math program by Nick Lewandowski, writer for The Almanac (saved in Google Docs)

Update January 23, 2013 8:54 PM Video of K-12 Mathematics Program Presentation

Update January 23, 2013 11:02 PM Some parents say elementary math system used by Mt. Lebanon neglects basic skills by Matt Santoni, staff writer, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Update January 24, 2013 8:32 AM Facet of elementary math cirriculum fractions some Mt. Lebanon parents by Harry Funk, freelance writer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (saved in Google Docs)

TERC Investigations Presentation is January 21

Next Monday, the School District will be presenting their findings for the TERC Investigations math program. Currently, there are 246 signatures on the TERC Investigations petition. Parents are wondering if the District is looking at data from other school districts. According to School Board President Elaine Cappucci, Dr. Allen, along with her team of elementary principals and math facilitators have undertaken a major effort this year to research the effectiveness of Investigations and other math programs. A presentation and discussion of the K-12 math program will occur at the January 21st regular Board meeting. What the School District may not realize is we have a great resource right here in Mt. Lebanon.

Dr. Irvin is the new principal at Lincoln. In addition, she is the curriculum leader for math. At one time, Marybeth Irvin was the State College Area director of curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade. She is quoted in the following July 22, 2011 article.

 New math plan comes to fruition

By Ed Mahon

Jul 22, 2011


State College Area elementary students will have a new main math program this fall.

The change is more than two years in the making.

“Now comes the real hard work. We have to implement a new math program,” said Radio Park Elementary School Principal Deirdre Bauer, who served on a committee that reviewed curriculums. “But it’s also very exciting.”

The State College Area school board earlier this month approved purchasing the materials for the new program, Math Expressions, which educators have described as having a more balanced approach than the previous curriculum, Investigations in Number, Data and Space.

“The community group really wanted to have a (program) that would be able to maintain some of the conceptual strengths of Investigations but also provide some more direct instruction,” Bauer said.

In May 2009, parents unhappy with Investigations created an online petition and urged board members not to purchase the second edition of the program. They argued it didn’t provide enough rigor and wouldn’t prepare students for later grades.

The board was split, and members voted 6 -3 to purchase the second edition.

A year later, the district created a committee, with about 40 members, to review district math programs with the goal of piloting some new ones in 2010-11. Facilitator Mark Dietz said the committee met 12 times, edited 140 online documents and exchanged more than 1,000 electronic communications before recommending the district pilot three math programs this winter and spring: Math Expressions, enVision math and the second edition of Investigations.

Bauer and two other administrators presented the results of the pilot program to the school board on May 23.

Teachers reviewing materials ranked Math Expressions highest, because it aligned most closely with the K-12 Common Core Standards adopted by more than 40 states. Teachers who taught two units of the programs ranked enVision math the lowest, and Math Expressions and Investigations almost evenly. For student performance on assessments, Investigations ranked highest overall, but performance varied by grade level. Results from parent surveys were similar for all programs.

“It was really difficult to see a program strongly emerge,” Marybeth Irvin, district director of curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade, told the board. She noted, however, that “enVision was rated weakest overall.”

Bauer said the committee recommended Math Expressions, in part, because of its alignment with the Common Core Standards and because community members asked for a balanced approach.

Irvin described Math Expressions as the district’s new “core resource,” saying it won’t be the entire math curriculum. Teachers will supplement it with other materials as needed.

Teacher and parent Sheila Abruzzo, who served on review committees, called both Investigations and Math Expressions “adequate” and suggested more time to study the issue.

“I think we need an excellent program,” she told the board.

Parents Barb Schaefer and Steve Piazza, both early critics of Investigations who served on the committee, spoke in support of Math Expressions.

“I think what we’re hearing is people .... damning this curriculum with faint praise,” Piazza said, adding that he believes Math Expressions stood out among the three choices.

The board unanimously endorsed the program in May.

“I have watched you guys work through this amazing amount of material over the past year or more. ... and wonder if you can ever pull this all together,” Vice President Jim Pawelczyk said to Bauer, Irvin and Director of Education Pam Francis. “And you did it in grand style. This is a very comprehensive report. ... So, excellent job.”

Ed Mahon can be reached at 231-4619.

STATE EMPLOYEE UNION CONTRACTS

Read more: http://www.centredaily.com/2011/06/25/2799073/new-math-plan-comes-to-fruition.html#ixzz1dJVRf9Oc

Copyright ©2009 - 2011

What is the Mt. Lebanon School Board's take-away from this petition?  Some parents are complaining they can't help their children with their math homework, so those parents want the District to pull the program. 

The District doesn't get it. Like the State College Area parents, our parents feel that the children are years behind children from other school districts. They are not prepared for later grades. Children are getting caught in the middle. Parents are trying to help their children learn long division, while teachers are saying that homework is being done incorrectly. Children are using separate pieces of paper to do their homework. That is insane!

Our children are getting frustrated and don't know who to believe. The District should talk with Dr. Irwin. She just went through it. According to the District, only six parents complained, but the petition proved them wrong. The District may be the math professionals, but parents know their children best.

The presentation is Monday evening at the Jefferson Middle School Library. I hope the School District will be receptive to these concerned parents.

Terc Investigations Math Petition and Website UPDATED

Updated January 1, 2013 9:25 AM 
Attention all residents of Mt. Lebanon. This affects all of us. As one wrote on the petition:  

"For all of the Mt. Lebo families - even if you don't have kids in school anymore, this is an important issue that will affect the quality education that Mt Lebanon has been known for."

If it gets out that parents are dissatisfied with their children's education, we're toast. Contrary to popular belief, it is our school system, not our fields, that bring people here. Please sign the petition and support these concerned parents. 
Elaine


A new website has been launched in Mt. Lebanon. Lebomathfacts.org "is run by a diverse group of parents, who are concerned about quality mathematics education" in Mt. Lebanon.

Lebo Citizens readers know that I have had several stories about Terc Investigations including:

 http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2012/11/posti-on-terc-investigations.html

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2012/11/more-on-terc-investigations.html

http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2012/12/dream-team-change-orders-and-more.html

I see that an online petition has been posted at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/petition-to-ask-the-mt-lebanon-school-district-to/
It is sad that it had to come to this. The school board directors were amazed at the response to the Math Nights, drawing 650 people. Have they figured out that the community is deeply concerned about our TERC Investigations math program?

Please visit Lebomathfacts.org and read about the Fall 2012 meeting that concerned parents had with Dr. Steinhauer. Our Requests summarizes their requests along with recommended timelines.

Dream Team, Change Orders, and More

I updated the change orders list (see sidebar) to reflect tabled item number 28. Dan Remely, always careful with our tax dollars, felt that the carpeting expense could be considered as a capital expense item down the road. I deducted $6,559 from the change orders running total.

We have a new Policy Committee, which one reader described as our "Dream Team." The new members consist of

• Plagiarism expert and authority on bending school board policies, Josephine Posti
• Mary Birks, our resident Harrisburg aficionado who blames Corbett for everything
• Bill Cooper, all around nice guy who never makes waves by agreeing with the status quo

Other big news, a resident expressed concern regarding the networking technology bidding and contract, and how we are implementing antiquated systems, instead of state-of-the-art technology.
I would love to hear more about this, if that resident is reading this. In fact, as always, I would like anyone "in the business" weigh in on this.

In addition, the School Board was amazed at the response to the Math Nights, drawing 650 people. Are they surprised that the community is deeply concerned about our TERC Investigations math program?

Finally, the School Board listened to the students, as Larry Lebowitz pointed out, and promoted Judith Kolko to the new activities director. Carlie McGinty is now at the USC High School as their new guidance counselor. Congrats to both women.

Tweets from our super Super

As we wait for the December pizza pics to show up on Dr. Steinhauer's blog, we can see a unique perspective of the construction, this time from the fifth floor.  I didn't want anyone to miss the tweets from our super Super. He also shared photos of two (one, two) concert programs and one concert. Throw in the picture of our new school board president and vice president, and now everyone is caught up from the November pizza lunch. Oh, so powerful! It is always inspiring to hear from the professionals. Dr. Steinhauer is in his element. Let's see...$157,000 a year...six photos per month...Yes, we are getting our money's worth.

While Dr. Steinhauer is documenting his attendance at extracurricular activities, Josephine Posti updated her Center Court blog with Math FAQs. Josephine provided a link to Lincoln Elementary School's math webpage. I thought it would nice to list the other elementary schools' math webpages.

Foster Elementary School
Hoover Elementary School
Howe Elementary School
Jefferson Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School
Markham Elementary School
Washington Elementary School

I have gotten emails and phone calls from some very frustrated parents concerning the math program. Is it getting better? Was Family Math Night helpful? Any advice from one parent to another?

Common Core State Standards

I was checking Center Court and Steinhauer's blog for anything that resembled a post on the new Common Core State Standards, and struck out.  Instead, I noticed that Josephine now has ads on her blog. Really, Jo? Not making enough at your day job? Or was this a recommendation made by Pursuing Ketchup?

While Josephine is blogging about charter schools and Timmy is blogging about pizza, pics, and post it notes, nothing has been mentioned about Common Core State Standards.

PA Common Core Standards

The State Board adopted Common Core Standards in July 2010. Since that time, the decision was made to craft a set of PA Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. A group of Pennsylvania educators created a draft set of PA Common Core Standards. These new standards mirror the content and rigor of Common Core, but reflect the organization and design of the PA Academic Standards.

Pine-Richland School District's website has a whole page dedicated to understanding the Transitions to Common Core Standards.

Eleanor Chute mentioned PA Common Core Standards in Monday's
Study: Pennsylvania students with access to full-time librarians do better

As school districts look for ways to save money, supporters of school libraries point to a recent study showing Pennsylvania students do better on state tests in reading and writing if they have access to strong school libraries.

The study found students with access to a better-staffed, funded, equipped, stocked and accessible school library are more likely to score advanced and less likely to score below basic on the state reading and writing tests.

Remember how our illustrious board cut staff in our libraries as listed in the
Cost reductions list totaling approximately $850,000 while twenty administrators received raises?

Ms. Chute continues:

Mary Kay Biagini, director of the school library certification program at the School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and an analyst for the study, said that 56 percent of public schools in the state didn't have access to a full-time school librarian in 2011-12.

With the economic conditions and resulting library cuts of the past two years, she said, "Students are getting even less of a chance to have access to library resources and information literacy curriculum."

She believes school libraries will be even more important as schools implement the new Common Core State Standards in English language arts and math that call for the curriculum to go deeper in fewer areas rather than skimming the surface in many.

When will this Board and Administration report on more pressing issues such as the transition to Common Core State Standards, 21st Century Education, replacing our fuzzy math program, and the like, instead of concentrating on sports, turf, fundraising, and charter schools? On the two year anniversary of Lebo Citizens blog, I can't think of one wise decision this Board has made.

More on TERC Investigations

Josephine Posti has to go. Surely, she should not seek reelection with this kind of attitude towards stakeholders.  Will the Board think enough of her to elect her to a third term as President next week? 

In the emails listed, identifying information has been redacted to protect the personal privacy of individuals discussed in the letters.

From: JPosti@mtlsd.net
To:  Stakeholder, Parent 1
CC: SchoolBoardEmaillist@mtlsd.net; Parent 2
Subject: RE: TERC Investigations
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:08:02 +0000

Stakeholder,
Your email is childish, disrespectful and counterproductive in addressing the concerns of parents with children in the District. Name-calling is beneath you and not an effective method of motivating the educational professionals charged with curricular responsibility.

Parent 1 and Parent 2,
Have you discussed your concerns with your [child's] teacher or principal? An understanding of those discussions would be helpful to Dr. Allen and her team as they evaluate how Investigations is being used in each building and within specific classrooms.

For the Board,
Josephine Posti
President
Mt. Lebanon School Board
 412.667.1479
 http://jposti.blogspot.com

Mission: To provide the best education possible for each and every student
________________________________

From: Stakeholder
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 1:03 PM
To: Parent 1,
Cc: School Board Email list; Parent 2
Subject: Re: TERC Investigations

Good going.....I hope parents organize and hound the SB and staff at meetings & e-mail to get off their "high horses" and do something about this....firing Steinhauer for his behavior know-it-all attitude plus Allen for her total incompetence would be good for starters....then give 12th grade PSSA, ACT & SAT math portion tests to all math teachers forcing them to use only this current flawed math teaching protocol.  Fire all who fail the tests!
 ---------- Original Message ----------
From: Parent 1
To: <schoolboardemaillist@mtlsd.net>
Cc: Parent 2
BCC: Additional Stakeholders
Subject: TERC Investigations
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:25:51 +0000

Good afternoon Board,
Have all of you actually reviewed the Investigations books that are actually used in the classroom? If so, what have you found?
Yesterday evening, ...I asked my [child] if...Seriously folks, would this have been acceptable for your children?
I honestly don't see how the entire board can just sit there while the mother of a 6th grader says during a public meeting her son cannot do long division. The parents of the children in our school district demand more. What are you going to do about it?

Here is a link to provide you more information:
http://www.wgquirk.com/TERC2008.html
Parent 1

I have received numerous emails complaining about Dr. Deb Allen's performance. Yes, I agree with the stakeholder.  Getting rid of Posti, Steinhauer, and Allen would be a great start.  Throw in Klein's retirement and we just might get the District back on its feet again.
   

PSSA math scores - a mixed bag

Richard Gideon prepared the following PDF showing PSSA math test results for Mt. Lebanon from 2007 through 2012. Thank you, Richard, for your analysis of the PSSA math scores.

MTLSD PSSA Math Scores 2007-2012

Mrs. Posti writes,

"If you look at the District's student achievement results since these program change proposals were approved, it appears to have been a wise decision that has resulted in academic success for our students and, anecdotally, an increased love of math that our middle and high school teachers have observed since its adoption."

The figures for PSSA math tests show a mixed bag - she is right in some cases and wrong in others.  I don't see how one can claim overall success for TERC based on these figures. There are too many variables to take into consideration with respect to these numbers. We know that students are coached prior to taking the PSSA's; but then a number of parents who haven't been thrilled with TERC have tutored their kids in basic math, or paid a tutor to do the job for them. We don't know how many teachers are supplementing TERC with more traditional techniques on their own authority.

Anecdotal evidence in math and the sciences is frowned upon by the pros.

Posti on TERC Investigations UPDATED

There has been a lot of interest in this particular thread. David Huston had an email exchange with Josephine Posti concerning TERC Investigations.  As with any email exchange, start at the bottom and work your way up. To avoid confusion, I separated the emails with ***.

RE: TERC Investigations math

From David Huston
To jposti@mtlsd.net
Cc gwensell gwensell@southfayette.org, schoolboardemaillist@mtlsd.net

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 4:15 pm

Ms. Posti,
Thank you for correcting me regarding Mr. Wensell.
You can understand my confusion because you never mentioned his first name.
Please see the attached booklet from 2009, when Mr. Wensell was employed by the District.

Mr. Wensell's presentation was:

Creating a Balanced K-12 Mathematics ProgramIs your school district seeking a balance between procedural and
conceptual learning opportunities for students? Come learn how
one district's approach led to the incorporation of both reform and
traditional resources.

Obviously, when Mr. Wensell recommended TERC Investigations, he
thought it was best to include traditional resources.
Now Mr. Wensell is using traditional resources along with Investigations at South Fayette.
The Mt. Lebanon School District is now using 100% TERC investigations,
which goes against Mr. Wensell's recommendation.
Who made the decision to go all TERC in our district?
I included Mr. Wensell so he can provide clarification beyond the spelling of his name.
David Huston

***

From: JPosti@mtlsd.net
To: David Huston, SchoolBoardEmaillist@mtlsd.net
Subject: RE: TERC Investigations math
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:35:26 +0000


Ken Wentzel is a retired high school physical education teacher so I'm not sure what report you'd be referring to. You may want submit a RTK request.


Josephine Posti
President
Mt. Lebanon School Board
412.667.1479
http://jposti.blogspot.com

Mission: To provide the best education possible for each and every student

***

From: David Huston
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2012 3:20 PM
To: Josephine C. Posti; School Board Email list
Subject: RE: TERC Investigations math

Ms. Posti,
The 138 parents signing a petition to scrap TERC in 2011 were not overly satisfied:
http://www.amherstbee.com/news/2011-04-13/Education/Parents_want_examination_of_elementary_math_progra.html

The man's name is Ken Wentzel, not Wensell.
Please provide Mr. Wentzel's report for the public to review.

David Huston

***
From: JPosti@mtlsd.net
To: David Huston; SchoolBoardEmaillist@mtlsd.net
Subject: RE: TERC Investigations math
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:11:41 +0000


Mr. Huston,
FormerSchoolDirector's rationale is the same rationale most Board members follow when making decisions about curriculum. With few exceptions, we are not educators and rely on recommendations of the District's educational professionals on curriculum decisions. This was no exception.


Mr. Wensell's recommendation was brought to the Board for our approval after he conducted research and evaluation of tools that could help better prepare our students for middle school math, was vetted within his department, shared with Curriculum Council and evaluated by our administration. If you look at the District's student achievement results since these program change proposals were approved, it appears to have been a wise decision that has resulted in academic success for our students and, anecdotally, an increased love of math that our middle and high school teachers have observed since its adoption. As with any part of our curriculum, if there are opportunities to improve it, we will pursue them. Our goal is to teach a balanced math program that meets PA common core standards and prepares students for success.


Regarding the information you shared below, did you know that Amherst Central School District continues to use Investigations as a core resource in elementary math and that when surveyed, parents were overwhelmingly satisfied with the math curriculum?


Thanks and best regards,

Josephine Posti
President
Mt. Lebanon School Board
412.667.1479
http://jposti.blogspot.com

Mission: To provide the best education possible for each and every student

****

From: David Huston
Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 6:46 PM
To: School Board Email list
Subject: FW: TERC Investigations math

Hello Board,
Please see the exchange I had with a former school director 2 years ago.
Ms. Posti and Mr. Remely were on the board at the time and voted to approve Investigations.
Why did Ms. Posti and Mr. Remely approve it?

Also, the link below is informative.

From: FormerSchoolDirector
To: David Huston
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2010 17:37:46 -0400
Subject: Re: TERC Investigations math


I have no idea. Don't remember the discussion. Probably bc supervisor said to...


On Sep 7, 2010, at 5:37 PM, "David Huston"  wrote:

Former School Director,
Why did the 2007 school board choose TERC Investigations
for the Mt. Lebanon math curriculum?
http://amherstmathprogram.com/math/main.php

Update November 27, 2012 1:37 AM Josephine Posti updated her blog to include this post, More on Math.

If you look at our comparator districts in Pennsylvania, many of them use Investigations, including local districts like Baldwin, Elizabeth Forward, Fox Chapel, Hampton, Peters Township and Upper St. Clair. 

But according to PG readers,  Meetings will discuss new math curriculum in Mt. Lebanon schools, USC dropped this years ago. Dr. Steinhauer weighed in on the subject in the PG article.  Josephine admitted that she is not an educator and relies on the educational professionals, yet the "educator" addresses more important issues such as Chinese proverbs and construction on his blog.

USC, Bethel, but not here UPDATED

A Lebo Citizens reader was kind enough to send me the following message from the Bethel Park School Board President, Donna Cook. http://www.bpsd.org/boardmessage.aspx

The take-away that I got from President Cook's message:

• All Bethel Park Administrators voluntarily took a wage freeze for the 2011-2012 school year.
• The  school board appreciates their constituents' attendance and participation in these meetings;  it has become increasingly difficult to sit silently while statements are being made that are simply not correct.

All BP's administrators voluntarily took a wage freeze for 2011-2012.  Upper St. Clair's top administrators took voluntary wage freezes. All of our school administrators got sizable increases. We have parents complaining about the math program. One parent's comments from Monday's meeting about our math program are spot on. Monday's presentation was illustrating a state wide comparison. Interestingly enough, the regional comparison is disappointing. Here is a page from the presentation comparing math SAT scores. We're ranked 18, while Upper St. Clair is ranked #8, North Allegheny 10, and Fox Chapel is ranked at 14. Dr. Deb Allen said that we must not rest on our laurels. I don't think we have "laurels to rest on." Our science scores are marginal.  While our super Super is blogging about Chinese proverbs and is "transfixed" while doing photo essays on the view outside of his window, our school board directors continue to spend money like there is no tomorrow.  If the Mayans are right, maybe there will be no tomorrow, but in the meantime, how about putting a cork in it, Josephine? Stop wasting our money.

The second point is for my commissioner's benefit.

Update November 23, 2012 2:45 PM Witte comment about MTLSD math program
Also available here:
Witte comment on Lebocitizens.com