Mess must be fixed immediately

Published 5:37 pm Monday, January 21, 2008

Val Stevens finally said something that I can wholeheartedly agree with (Saturday guest commentary, “Fuzzy WASL math is failing our kids”). Washington state math curriculum is failing our kids. Of five grandchildren in public school, four have needed math assistance outside of school. These children are in different grades in 4th, 5th, 8th, and two in 11th grade, in three different school districts. Recently, I attended a curriculum night for the 4th grade student. Everyone present had questions about the math standard. The teacher explained that the district was yet again reviewing the curriculum. This teacher said that the students were behind in basic multiplication and division skills because the existing math standard did not allow time to work on those skills.

How many times will the curriculum change before this 4th grader graduates in 2016, when current law says she must pass the WASL? Will she have basic math skills? Maybe there is hope for three younger grandchildren who have yet to be contaminated by the existing mess. To repeat what Val Stevens said, “Call, write or e-mail your thoughts” to your legislators and the governor.

These kids want to be able to accomplish great things in their lives. We must make sure they have the tools they will need.

Patricia Tiede

Everett