The following are some stated facts which are part of the Minutes of the Math Committee Meetings (October 2008)
It is clear here that there was some reservation about the text selection by some teachers. Also, it appears that additional texts were to be piloted, which did not get the opportunity to be shared in this process.
From the PAUSD Math Committee Minutes:
On October 7th , the committee took a poll to indicate which books it liked best. In order:
(Link to the October 7, 2008 Minutes)
1. SRA (all 6 yeses) (“was the publisher with the most yes votes and best met the criteriaaccording to every grade level”) (“Based on the above chart, it was clear that the group wanted to further review …SRA.”) (“majority agreed to focus on …SRA”)
2. EDM (4 yeses and 1 maybe) (“was the next choice for further review according to the majorityof grade levels”)After discussion, the group agreed to invite four publishers to present (per April 3rd Q&A) and then, after the presentations, decide which to pilot. It voted to take a closer look at Envision, in addition to SRA and Everyday Math.
On October 16th [Presentations Meeting], 4 presentations were made:
(Link to October 16, 2008 Minutes)
- Three textbooks the committee requested: (SRA (via Powerpoint), EDM and enVision), and
- Harcourt
Group Vote Results:
Before Discussion/After Discussion:
Everyday Math 22/18
Envision 24/ 21
SRA 11/ 6
“A handful of teachers were not comfortable with piloting just Everyday Math and Envision. It was suggested that Everyday Math would be rejected by teachers as being too hard for them to read and prepare lessons. There might also be an issue with Envision; it comes with Investigations and buy-in for that program could be difficult. Teacher buy-in is crucial. Will adequate professional development be available? This group may not be representing those who are apprehensive about changing to a new text. Can all three texts be piloted if fewer units are tested? While Ginni Davis suggested piloting only two texts, she did not say that only two texts could be piloted. It was decided that Everyday Math, Envision, and SRA would be piloted.”
