2009.01.12
Confusion means no math changes in Radford
Until today, Radford City school officials had planned to recommend changes to its math offerings in the fall. Lorraine Crawford, the district's director of instruction, planned to recommend to school board members on Tuesday that a two-part Algebra I course be eliminated in the fall, along with another math credit.
Instead students would take an Algebra Functions and Data Analysis course.
It was a move toward progress because the state plans to axe the courses -- eventually. In October, school division leaders were told unoiffically that it was going to be eliminated, but without a date.
So, Crawford started drawing up the plans. The new course, which some districts already have, would have been designed to get more students ready to take Algebra two. As it stands now, "students who either don’t like math or don’t feel like they’re strong in it, won’t go past geometry,” Crawford said.
But today, state math leaders told Crawford they don't have a specific date on when the changes will go through with the changes, so Crawford plans to withdraw her recommendations to the board. She cited budget constrains and the affect on schedule for holding back.
"We at least have our game plan in place when they do make the change, Crawford said.
She does still plan to ask the board to approve a personal finance elective.
