Utah’s Math Future The NASA Math Plan (This IS Rocket Science)

Utah’s Math FutureUtah’s Math FutureThe NASA Math PlanThe NASA Math Plan

(This *IS* Rocket Science)(This *IS* Rocket Science)

www.UtahsMathFuture.comwww.UtahsMathFuture.com

What is NASA Math?What is NASA Math?-Background--Background-

““Nuclear industry looking for a wave of new Nuclear industry looking for a wave of new hires... 35 percent of its work force, to hires... 35 percent of its work force, to [retire] by the end of 2012.” AP 9/12/08[retire] by the end of 2012.” AP 9/12/08

Engineers and scientists are retiring in Engineers and scientists are retiring in droves creating a crisis at NASA and all droves creating a crisis at NASA and all across the nation.across the nation.

We need a highly technical workforce to We need a highly technical workforce to ensure the economic, military, and technical ensure the economic, military, and technical leadership the United States once provided leadership the United States once provided to the world. to the world.

Utah’s Current Dire StraitsUtah’s Current Dire Straits

““Debunking Utah's ACT test score myth”Debunking Utah's ACT test score myth”Salt Lake Tribune Op-Ed 8/30/08Salt Lake Tribune Op-Ed 8/30/08

""Are Utah youngsters among the stupidest kids on Are Utah youngsters among the stupidest kids on God's green Earth?God's green Earth? That's what a reasonable person might That's what a reasonable person might conclude based on ACT scores over the past 20 years.“conclude based on ACT scores over the past 20 years.“

““Utah test scores are startling”Utah test scores are startling”Deseret News 11/02/07Deseret News 11/02/07

““Comparison study of results ranks state last”Comparison study of results ranks state last”““Utah's typically gleaming scores on national tests could be Utah's typically gleaming scores on national tests could be mere veneer...”mere veneer...”

UVU has a math remediation *department* because UVU has a math remediation *department* because 2/3rds of incoming students require an average of 3 2/3rds of incoming students require an average of 3 semesters of remedial math.semesters of remedial math.

The United StatesThe United StatesA few countries that scored above the United States A few countries that scored above the United States on the last TIMSS exam:on the last TIMSS exam:SingaporeSingaporeChinaChinaBelgiumBelgiumHungaryHungaryEstoniaEstoniaLatviaLatviaMalaysiaMalaysia

The United States has elected not to The United States has elected not to embarrass itself participate in the next embarrass itself participate in the next TIMSS exam.TIMSS exam.

The Hope for UtahThe Hope for Utah

For several months a committee of For several months a committee of legislators, district and state school legislators, district and state school board members, educators, and board members, educators, and concerned citizens have been meeting concerned citizens have been meeting to put together a solid math package to put together a solid math package that would make that would make Utah the premier Utah the premier state in the country to fill the state in the country to fill the void.void.

The MoonshotThe Moonshot

Mission Statement:Mission Statement: Utah will become the Utah will become the premier state in our country for math premier state in our country for math education within 10 years by partnering with education within 10 years by partnering with members of the NASA Advisory Council and members of the NASA Advisory Council and the National Mathematics Advisory Panel to the National Mathematics Advisory Panel to create standards and programs such that create standards and programs such that NASA will look first to Utah for at least 10% NASA will look first to Utah for at least 10% of its recruits and Utah is recognized as a of its recruits and Utah is recognized as a top source of skilled scientists and top source of skilled scientists and engineers.engineers.

It’s All About ExpectationsIt’s All About Expectations

"There is a chasm of difference in "There is a chasm of difference in expectations between NAEP and the expectations between NAEP and the problems used by world-class problems used by world-class mathematics leaders. We expect too mathematics leaders. We expect too little from our children, and by little from our children, and by lowering our expectations we lower lowering our expectations we lower their incentive to achieve."their incentive to achieve."--Dr. John Hoven, Economist; Co-president of the Gifted and --Dr. John Hoven, Economist; Co-president of the Gifted and Talented Association of Montgomery County, MDTalented Association of Montgomery County, MD

The PlanThe Plan

The following proposal is the path to The following proposal is the path to achieving this high goal. The first step achieving this high goal. The first step is to create the environment and is to create the environment and expectations to achieve greatness.expectations to achieve greatness.

Utah’s Math FutureUtah’s Math Future--Proposal-Proposal-

1.1. CurriculumCurriculum: : Singapore math Singapore math implemented in grades K-8.implemented in grades K-8.

2.2. StandardsStandards: Rewrite to match : Rewrite to match Singapore math.Singapore math.

3.3. TestingTesting: End-of-level tests should : End-of-level tests should reveal basic to advanced subject reveal basic to advanced subject mastery. mastery.


4.4. AlgebraAlgebra: Eighth grade math should : Eighth grade math should be an authentic algebra course. be an authentic algebra course.

5.5. Student Progress: Student Progress: Gifted and Gifted and motivated students may proceed motivated students may proceed faster than regular classes. faster than regular classes.

5.5. ScheduleSchedule: Math should be taught : Math should be taught daily and total at least 144 hours of daily and total at least 144 hours of instruction and testing time each year. instruction and testing time each year.


7.7. Mathematically knowledgeable Mathematically knowledgeable classroom teachersclassroom teachers::

1.1. Teacher Preparation—better preparation of Teacher Preparation—better preparation of elementary teachers and a higher level elementary teachers and a higher level subject matter certification for secondary subject matter certification for secondary teachers teachers

2.2. Teacher Leaders—Singapore math trainers Teacher Leaders—Singapore math trainers and single subject math teachers for 4-6thand single subject math teachers for 4-6th

3.3. Teacher Evaluation—value added analysisTeacher Evaluation—value added analysis

4.4. Professional Development—Common Professional Development—Common curriculum training for Singapore mathcurriculum training for Singapore math

Point 1: CurriculumPoint 1: Curriculum

Singapore and its MathSingapore and its Math

““We are not teaching math, We are not teaching math, we are teaching thinking we are teaching thinking through the medium of through the medium of math.math.””

-Dr. Yeap Ban Har, Singapore Ministry of -Dr. Yeap Ban Har, Singapore Ministry of EducationEducation

70 cm

The figure below is made up of 2 identical squares, 4 identical rectangles and 3 identical semi-circles. What is the area of the figure?

A Singapore Math problem for 4th/5th graders illustrates advanced problem solving.

The figure below is made up of 2 identical squares, 4 identical rectangles and 3 identical semi-circles. What is the area of the figure?

70 cm

This brilliant strategy enables younger students to grasp algebra concepts visually.

“I never realized that I do not understand math until I had to teach mathematics from the Singapore textbooks.” ~ Teacher quoted in A.I.R. report prepared for U.S. DOE (American Institutes for Research)

Singapore TeachersSingapore Teachers

In Singapore, teachers are not highly In Singapore, teachers are not highly educated but have achieved results.educated but have achieved results.

Graduate Graduate TeachersTeachers

Non-Non-Graduate Graduate TeachersTeachers

TotalTotal

Primary Primary SchoolsSchools

5,8275,827 6,5186,518 12,34512,345

Secondary Secondary SchoolsSchools

10,28210,282 1,2331,233 11,51511,515


Why Singapore Math?Why Singapore Math?Results Talk: Imagine a state where 40% of the Results Talk: Imagine a state where 40% of the population had an advanced understanding of mathpopulation had an advanced understanding of math

2003 TIMSS: Advanced Math Benchmarks

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

4th Grade 8th Grade

Singapore

USA


Why Singapore Math?Why Singapore Math?Where over 90% had an intermediate and nearly 80% Where over 90% had an intermediate and nearly 80%

had a high understanding of mathhad a high understanding of math

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Benchmark Level

2003 TIMSS: Percentage of 8th Gradersat or above International Benchmark Levels

Singapore 99% 93% 77% 44%

USA 90% 64% 29% 7%

Low Intermediate High Advanced


Why Singapore Math?Why Singapore Math?

Exam Failure Rate: UBSCT vs. Singapore High Stakes Secondary School Entrance Test (after 6th grade)

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

Fail Rate 20% 0.20%

Utah-UBSCT Singapore

Where far less than 1% couldn’t pass Where far less than 1% couldn’t pass a basic skills testa basic skills test


Looking to the LeaderLooking to the Leader““Singapore ranked first in the world in math Singapore ranked first in the world in math and third in science, and third in science, in spite of the fact in spite of the fact that the country was ranked next to that the country was ranked next to last for the level of home educational last for the level of home educational resources availableresources available. In other words, . In other words, Singapore’s impressive academic results Singapore’s impressive academic results seem to have very little to do with an seem to have very little to do with an advantageous home environment and advantageous home environment and a a great deal to do with an effective great deal to do with an effective school system structure organized school system structure organized around a solid, rigorous curriculum.around a solid, rigorous curriculum.““-Dr. E.D. Hirsch -Dr. E.D. Hirsch


But what about...But what about...Myth: In Singapore they don’t test all the kids, just the ones Myth: In Singapore they don’t test all the kids, just the ones going to technical schools, right?going to technical schools, right?

Fact: FALSE. The TIMSS exam is a cross section of the entire Fact: FALSE. The TIMSS exam is a cross section of the entire population. This 4population. This 4thth grade result set prior to any separation in grade result set prior to any separation in students is almost identical to the 8students is almost identical to the 8thth grade results. grade results.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Benchmark Level

2003 TIMSS: Percentage of 4th Gradersat or above International Benchmark Levels

Singapore 97% 91% 73% 38%

USA 93% 72% 35% 7%

Low Intermediate High Advanced


But what about...But what about...

Myth: In Singapore parents push their kids so Myth: In Singapore parents push their kids so hard all they do is school work and have no time hard all they do is school work and have no time for a life or to be creative, right?for a life or to be creative, right?

Fact: FALSE. Dr. Yeap Ban Har explained that Fact: FALSE. Dr. Yeap Ban Har explained that Singapore students have a very similar life to Singapore students have a very similar life to American students:American students:1 to 1 ½ hours of total homework a day 1 to 1 ½ hours of total homework a day (including reading and writing in a journal)(including reading and writing in a journal)Extracurricular activities (music, clubs, sports)Extracurricular activities (music, clubs, sports)TV TV - they just ask parents to turn it off when - they just ask parents to turn it off when children do their homeworkchildren do their homework


Success StoriesSuccess Stories““In L.A., Singapore math has added value”In L.A., Singapore math has added value”LA Times 3/9/08LA Times 3/9/08

Here’s a little math problem:Here’s a little math problem:In 2005, just In 2005, just 45%45% of the fifth-graders at Ramona of the fifth-graders at Ramona Elementary School in Hollywood scored at grade level on a Elementary School in Hollywood scored at grade level on a standardized state test. In 2006, standardized state test. In 2006, that figure rose to 76%.that figure rose to 76%. What was the difference?What was the difference?

...Ramona began using textbooks developed for use in ...Ramona began using textbooks developed for use in Singapore...Singapore...

““... this is an ... this is an inner-city, Title 1 schoolinner-city, Title 1 school.”.”


Why Singapore Math?Why Singapore Math?Why just have one curriculum?Why just have one curriculum?

AdvantagesAdvantagesEconomies of scale in purchasingEconomies of scale in purchasingProfessional development centers around one Professional development centers around one very effective programvery effective programTeachers specifically trained in the programTeachers specifically trained in the programMultisensory approach covers all learning stylesMultisensory approach covers all learning stylesChildren enjoy math and get stimulated: fewer Children enjoy math and get stimulated: fewer behavior problemsbehavior problemsEasier to measure successEasier to measure successPROVEN TO WORKPROVEN TO WORK


Why Singapore Math?Why Singapore Math?Why just have one curriculum?Why just have one curriculum?

DisadvantagesDisadvantagesTextbook publishers lose revenueTextbook publishers lose revenueCurrent teachers will need training to use Current teachers will need training to use this programthis program

Point 2: StandardsPoint 2: Standards

Why Change?Why Change?Adopting Singapore math will necessitate a Adopting Singapore math will necessitate a change in standards to align with the program so change in standards to align with the program so that teachers, parents, and students clearly that teachers, parents, and students clearly understand what is expected in this curriculum.understand what is expected in this curriculum.

We do not want to just adopt Singapore’s We do not want to just adopt Singapore’s standards, but have the following minimal standards, but have the following minimal participants on the drafting committee:participants on the drafting committee:Mathematician from NASA’s Advisory PanelMathematician from NASA’s Advisory PanelMathematician from the National Mathematics Mathematician from the National Mathematics Advisory Panel (NMAP)Advisory Panel (NMAP)Math Educator from the NMAP Math Educator from the NMAP

Point 3: TestingPoint 3: Testing

We Need Better DataWe Need Better DataHow good are tests if they only measure a How good are tests if they only measure a passing rate? We need tests similar to the passing rate? We need tests similar to the TIMSS exam that shows how advanced our TIMSS exam that shows how advanced our students are. students are.

Parents need to know where their children Parents need to know where their children are REALLY at so they can intervene and are REALLY at so they can intervene and get their children the help they need. get their children the help they need. Immediate feedback helps children and Immediate feedback helps children and parents make better decisions.parents make better decisions.

Point 4: AlgebraPoint 4: Algebra

Algebra is the KeyAlgebra is the Key"Statistics from the U.S. Department of Education show "Statistics from the U.S. Department of Education show that success in secondary school algebra is the single that success in secondary school algebra is the single greatest predictor of success in college--not just for greatest predictor of success in college--not just for engineering and science majors, but for majors in all engineering and science majors, but for majors in all fields."fields."Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles TimesFriday, September 17, 1999 Friday, September 17, 1999

From the NMAP Report:From the NMAP Report:"All school districts should ensure that all prepared "All school districts should ensure that all prepared students have access to an authentic algebra course—and students have access to an authentic algebra course—and should prepare more students than at present to enroll in should prepare more students than at present to enroll in such a course by Grade 8. such a course by Grade 8.

Using Singapore K-8 will provide a cohesive program Using Singapore K-8 will provide a cohesive program that prepares our children to succeed in algebra, that prepares our children to succeed in algebra, which means success in college.which means success in college.

Point 5: Student ProgressPoint 5: Student Progress

Excellence or Mediocrity?Excellence or Mediocrity?From the NMAP Report:From the NMAP Report:"Mathematically gifted students with sufficient "Mathematically gifted students with sufficient motivation appear to be able to learn motivation appear to be able to learn mathematics much faster than students mathematics much faster than students proceeding through the curriculum at a normal proceeding through the curriculum at a normal pace, with no harm to their learning, and should pace, with no harm to their learning, and should be allowed to do so." (pg. xxiv) be allowed to do so." (pg. xxiv)

““No Child Left Behind” too often means “top No Child Left Behind” too often means “top students held back.” Our best and brightest students held back.” Our best and brightest aren’t given the chance to really excel when they aren’t given the chance to really excel when they are told they can’t go faster than the rest of the are told they can’t go faster than the rest of the class. class.

Point 6: Instruction Time and SchedulePoint 6: Instruction Time and Schedule

Daily ImmersionDaily ImmersionThe National Council of Teachers of The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommends “All students Mathematics recommends “All students need to be engaged in learning need to be engaged in learning challenging mathematics for at least one challenging mathematics for at least one hour a day at the elementary, middle hour a day at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.”school, and high school levels.”

You can’t expect to learn a foreign You can’t expect to learn a foreign language to mastery without daily language to mastery without daily immersion. Mathematics is the same immersion. Mathematics is the same process. It is a universal language. process. It is a universal language.

Point 7a: Teacher PreparationPoint 7a: Teacher Preparation

Basic SkillsBasic SkillsNCTM President Skip Fennell:NCTM President Skip Fennell: "To boost teachers' understanding of "To boost teachers' understanding of math, the math departments at math, the math departments at universities ought to place more emphasis universities ought to place more emphasis on training educators.”on training educators.”

Basic teacher preparation must focus on Basic teacher preparation must focus on content so that teachers are familiar with content so that teachers are familiar with the subject matter and how it is used in the subject matter and how it is used in the real world. the real world.

Point 7b: Teacher LeadersPoint 7b: Teacher Leaders

Love of SubjectLove of SubjectNot all teachers love math. Not all Not all teachers love math. Not all teachers can teach math. Those who can teachers can teach math. Those who can do it effectively and have a love for the do it effectively and have a love for the subject are better prepared to instill in the subject are better prepared to instill in the students a love for the subject. students a love for the subject.

Utah should consider having teachers Utah should consider having teachers specialize in math and let other teachers specialize in math and let other teachers handle their other non-math classes.handle their other non-math classes.

Point 7c: Teacher EvaluationPoint 7c: Teacher Evaluation

Measuring SuccessMeasuring SuccessFrom the NMAP Report:From the NMAP Report:

"Teachers who consistently produce "Teachers who consistently produce significant gains in students’ mathematics significant gains in students’ mathematics achievement can be identified using achievement can be identified using value-added analysesvalue-added analyses (analyses that (analyses that examine individual students’ achievement examine individual students’ achievement gains as a function of the teacher). The gains as a function of the teacher). The impact on students’ mathematics learning impact on students’ mathematics learning is compounded if students have a series of is compounded if students have a series of these more effective teachers." (pg. xx) these more effective teachers." (pg. xx)

Point 7d: Professional Development Point 7d: Professional Development

Sharpening the SawSharpening the SawSingapore teachers are entitled to 100 hours per year Singapore teachers are entitled to 100 hours per year of professional development. Utah should adopt this of professional development. Utah should adopt this practice and gear the training toward the actual practice and gear the training toward the actual course content.course content.

Math and science teachers should have summer Math and science teachers should have summer classes they attend that are approved by a classes they attend that are approved by a mathematics department at a university to increase mathematics department at a university to increase their knowledge of the subject matter. The teachers their knowledge of the subject matter. The teachers would be paid for their time taking the classes to would be paid for their time taking the classes to further their professional development, and the further their professional development, and the classes would be paid for by the districts. classes would be paid for by the districts.

NASA Math Becomes Utah MathNASA Math Becomes Utah MathThe approach outlined in this presentation The approach outlined in this presentation will promote the greatest benefits for our will promote the greatest benefits for our children while creating a workforce that will children while creating a workforce that will be the envy of the country. be the envy of the country.

The results:The results:More skilled workforceMore skilled workforceEconomic job growthEconomic job growthTechnical prowessTechnical prowessHigher graduation ratesHigher graduation ratesLess remediationLess remediationBetter prepared teachersBetter prepared teachersBetter reasoning citizensBetter reasoning citizens

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Utah’s Math Future The NASA Math Plan (This *IS* Rocket Science)

Utah’s Math Future The NASA Math Plan (This IS Rocket Science)