Test results encourage city leaders Oct 3, 2008
But there were also some areas that were exceptionally strong, Barrett said, including the high school algebra and biology scores on the SATPs. The school had 69 percent of their students score proficient or advanced in biology over the state's 66 percent total, with 75 percent scoring proficient or advanced in algebra ... Mississippi overall had a 58 percent total scoring proficient or advanced in algebra. (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
District-level results on state tests released Oct 3, 2008
The district-level results on state tests were released Friday, giving parents the first look at how well their child's school performed on the new, more rigorous Mississippi Curriculum Tests, Second Edition or MCT2, English II and Algebra I Subject Area Tests ... The Algebra I and English II Subject Area Tests, which are administered the first time to students as they complete the courses, were also designed to reflect the increased rigor of the curriculum ... Students were scored Minimal,... (Webster Progress-Times, MS)
For Zac McIntyre, it's rock 'n' roll high school Oct 3, 2008
Zac McIntyre checks over student Ryan Wholey's work in an advanced algebra class at CHS. ... By day he teaches advanced algebra and pre-calculus at Chelmsford High School but he spends his nights as keyboardist and lead singer of the Zac Mac Band. (Chelmsford Independent, MA)
Forgotten Foot Soldiers In War On Success Oct 3, 2008
Projects like the Chicago Algebra Project and the District 5 Math and Science Initiative were rejected by the Annenberg Challenge. Meanwhile, the Challenge shelled out $200,000 to the South Shore African Village Collaborative to help them celebrate "Juneteenth.". (Investors Business Daily)
Next week at Community Education Oct 3, 2008
This course focuses on the math portion of the SAT, covering concepts in arithmetic, algebra and geometry. The instructor will also present problem-solving shortcuts and test-taking strategies. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Lebanon scores above state Oct 3, 2008
The meetings came on the heels of the disclosure that 47 percent of Algebra 1 students last spring received an F' and another 21 percent earned a D.. In comparing scores between students at Sand Ridge Charter School and the high school, it is important to note Sand Ridge had less than a dozen 10th-graders last year. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Boys & Girls Club offers after school math tutoring Oct 3, 2008
In response to a math emergency at Lebanon High School, the Boys Club of Lebanon is offering free after school algebra and geometry tutoring. Jason Yutzie, director of the Boys Club, said the idea for starting a tutoring program came after he attended the Sept. 10 meeting between parents and LHS staff listened to parents voice concerns about the number of high school students failing algebra classes. (Lebanon Express, OR)
MMS in second year of Algebra I course Sep 25, 2008
Some eighth-grade students at Madison Middle School are enrolled in the second year of the school's Algebra I class that offers those boys and girls who pass its end-of-course exam a high school graduation credit. Mike Ricke, a middle school math teacher, taught two classes of 15 and 16 eighth-grade students Algebra I in 2007-08 ... The school board for the Madison Central School District approved teaching the algebra class for the first time last year. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Too much math too soon Sep 25, 2008
The entry titled "Drowning in algebra," and any of the comments about it ... Georgia s new standards call for all students to learn some algebra in middle school ... A looks at the push to have more eighth-graders take algebra and says many low-achieving students forced into the classes are struggling. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
More questions about Preuss academic practices Sep 25, 2008
For example, a Preuss student who needs three years of math might get credit for an eighth-grade algebra course if he failed a high level math course after passing intermediate algebra. He said the practice is common among California public high schools. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Roland Liu, 13, is young man on campus Sep 24, 2008
Liu was given permission to take three half-semester courses: Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, and Linear Algebra. He graduated from high school last June with a grade-point average above 4. (Boston Globe)
Editor's Mailbag (Sept. 23) Sep 24, 2008
My complaints to the inadequate teaching in algebra directly to the principal brought a scary response: The superintendent and the teachers union set up the courses ... momof2 wrote on Sep 23, 2008 1:45 PM:" Connie Schmidt, if it's "a statewide trend for trend for scores at the high school level to plummet," and Lebanon's scores are below average for the state, I don't see how this is any defense of math education at the high school: Our high school is lower than the average low score for Oregon... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Greenplum's Internet-Scale Database Gets Big Analytics Boost with New Version Sep 24, 2008
For the first time customers can use the statistical language R, or build custom functions using our linear algebra and machine learning primitives, and run them in parallel directly against data in the database. Enhanced Database Monitoring: Greenplum Database 3. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
'Center at High Falls' Switching Gears Sep 24, 2008
R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens. Wednesday September 24, 2008. (R News)
Letter: In defense of LHS math teacher (25) Sep 24, 2008
I understand her frustration with the current percentage of students failing Algebra 1, though her quick judgment of Mr. Helland is not at all well-founded in my eyes ... Now I, being newly enrolled in his Algebra 2 class this trimester, am well aware that Mr. Helland does not grade his homework assignments but he does go over them in class; asks for all questions students may have; grades if they are complete along with all notes; and gives a homework quiz at the end of every chapter to check... (Lebanon Express, OR)
Students misplaced in algebra, study says Sep 23, 2008
WASHINGTON - More students than ever are taking algebra in eighth grade but not necessarily learning more math, private researchers report ... Once unavailable to many minority and poor children, algebra is becoming widely accepted as a must-have for eighth-graders ... Algebra is considered a "gateway" course for higher learning. (Boston Globe)
Aggie Soccer Hits the Road This Week Sep 23, 2008
Utah State Official Athletic Site. Junior Andrea Seledee and the Aggies will play two road match this week. (Utahstateaggies.com)
Study: Kids misplaced in algebra Sep 23, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) - Private researchers are reporting that more kids than ever are taking algebra in eighth grade but not necessarily learning more math. Enrollment in algebra classes doubled from 1990 to 2007 ... Nearly a third of all U.S. eighth-graders were taking algebra last year, 35 percent were in Ohio. (WKRC.com, OH)
Orange featured in book Sep 23, 2008
"Much of the chapter about Orange is about Hynus painting the field before the Cedar Ridge game.After he taught five algebra classes, pulled a parking lot security shift and coached Wednesday's practice, he and his assistants ordered pizza, drank punch out of a trainer's cooler and painted the lines beneath the stadium lights.Forty-eight hours later, Orange defeated Cedar Ridge, 14-7. or (919) 829-8910 No comments have been posted for this story. to be the first to comment. Comment Title:... (News & Observer -- Sports)
School math test wasn't flawed Sep 23, 2008
Schools now use an integrated approach, which weaves elements of algebra, geometry and statistics into a single math class, rather than teaching each separately. Under this new math, middle school students study algebra previously taught in high school. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
California's new 8th-grade algebra rule gets some poor marks Sep 22, 2008
California's new 8th-grade algebra rule gets some poor marks - Los Angeles Times ... California's new 8th-grade algebra rule gets some poor marks ... By Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer September 22, 2008 The new state policy of requiring algebra in the eighth grade will set up unprepared students for failure while holding back others with solid math skills, a new report has concluded. (Los Angeles Times)
Study: Students In Advanced Math Classes Doing Worse Sep 22, 2008
(September 22, 2008)A recent study finds a lot of youngsters taking eighth-grade algebra are in way over their heads ... Algebra, considered a "gateway" course for higher level subjects like Calculus, is now a required course for eighth-graders in some states ... The Brookings study says overall math scores are up, but not for algebra. (KWTX.com, TX)
Study Says More Kids In Algebra; Fewer Excel Sep 22, 2008
Study Finds Many Algebra Students Not Ready - Education News Story - KGTV San Diego ... Study Finds Many Algebra Students Not Ready ... Overall Math Scores Up, But Not For Algebra. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Ready for college Sep 22, 2008
The upgrades would include classes such as biology, chemistry, ad vanced algebra and geometry. His plan also adds career-fo cused and personal development requirements such as courses in a second language, personal finance and world history. (NJ.com -- Times)
X = 50 semesters Sep 22, 2008
So you throw yourself into remedial work, organizing extra sessions on algebra and trig. Only the students least in need of help show up. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Study: Many 8th-graders can't handle algebra Sep 22, 2008
By Greg Toppo, USA TODAY Peering beneath the hood of a national push to have all students take algebra by eighth grade, a new study out today finds that many of the nation's lowest-performing middle-schoolers are in way over their heads. They take algebra and other advanced math courses before they've mastered basic skills such as multiplication, division and problem-solving with fractions ... For more than a decade, "algebra for everyone" has been a high-minded mantra for the idea that... (USA Today)
The trouble with math Sep 20, 2008
Take a look at a syllabus for algebra II being taught in high school classes intended for grades 11 and 12 ... mkf448 wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:19 PM:" Generally, I agree with this editorial. Most of us don't need math past arithmatic or basic algebra. However, how many high school graduates are out there who cannot perform simple arithmatic without the aid of a calculator or computer. I can't count the times I have gone into stores to purchase something only to be told by the clerk that he can't... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Authorities may be selling short the short sellers, but it's working Sep 20, 2008
Mr. Guay resembles that kindly math teacher who helped you through the horrors of algebra. The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan's Bob Bertram is another serious short seller. (Globe and Mail)
Technology Helps Students Tackle Homework Overload Sep 20, 2008
"I haven't done algebra since college. Math was always a difficult subject for me and the same is true for my 17-year-old daughter, Kristina," says Petrie "It was hard watching her struggle through algebra and geometry assignments knowing that I couldn't give her the help she needed.". Petrie considered hiring a private tutor, but that would have cost upwards of 85 per hour. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
OASIS program gives kids another chance to succeed Sep 20, 2008
Students make up missed work in algebra, history, English and other subjects. They might focus on one subject or skip from one to the next. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Solo trial for Mose Jefferson postponed Sep 19, 2008
He is charged with bribing Ellenese Brooks-Simms, the former president of the Orleans Parish School Board, for her support for a computer-based algebra curriculum he was selling. A tentative trial date of Dec. 1 has been set for his other pending case. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Algebra requirement makes problematic equation Sep 19, 2008
California, facing a severe shortage, needs to come up with enough qualified teachers to instruct all of the state's eighth-graders in algebra by 2011 ... It's a math problem without a sure solution: How will California prepare enough qualified teachers to instruct all the state's eighth-graders in algebra by 2011 ... The new algebra requirement puts extra pressure on the state to turn out adequately trained math teachers for middle and high schools. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Shop Owner Ready To Shoot This Time Sep 18, 2008
Sanders attended Delta Continuation High School in Richmond, where his algebra teacher, Jeff Koutz described him as a quiet, polite student who did his work. Asked about whether he could envision Sanders taking part in a robbery, Koutz acknowledged it was difficult but said, "The behavior we see in a classroom and what kids exhibit when they leave - behaviors can change when they're not in front of you.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Lebanon group seeks ideas on math problem Sep 18, 2008
The workshop concentrates on math basics, including percentages and fractions, decimals and ratios, and some algebra and geometry, Bush-Lange said. It does not count for math credit. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
JOHNSON: Library Life Sep 18, 2008
She wishes she had Live Homework Help when she was a child, and so does her former algebra teacher, Mr. Larkin. Loading commenting interface. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Review Sep 18, 2008
You're quizzed on topics such as Astronomy, Literature, Geography, Science, Math, Algebra, Music and other topics that are guaranteed to have you pulling your hair out. Luckily, the game gives you some help along the way in the form of "cheating," like copying the student's answer, peeking at a student's answer, or an auto save that happens automatically if you answer wrong, but the student answers correctly. (IGN Wireless Games)
Tecumseh Teacher 'Rising Star' Sep 18, 2008
The 2009 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year is Heather Sparks, an Algebra I and pre-algebra teacher at Taft Middle School in Oklahoma City. The "Rising Star" award is given to extraordinary teachers who have five years or less teaching experience. (County-Wide News, Inc., OK)
Parents walk out of math meeting Sep 18, 2008
Tucker attended the meeting at the request of Laura Baker, who rallied Lebanon parents to demand immediate action be taken after learning that 67 percent of the students taking Algebra 1 at LHS last spring received a D' or lower. Baker presented a list of 12 questions about the LHS math program to the Lebanon School Board on Sept. 2, and many came to Wednesday's meeting expecting to hear answers from principal. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Letter: Math meeting was frustrating Sep 18, 2008
Parents, students, teachers and other members of the community were there to discuss why 47 percent of the students taking Algebra 1 are failing/have failed the class. Algebra 1 is a required course. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Jeffersons must look for a new attorney Sep 17, 2008
A grand jury charged him with bribing Ellenese Brooks-Simms, the former president of the Orleans Parish School Board, in exchange for her support for an algebra curriculum he was peddling. William Jefferson has a December trial date in federal court in Virginia on 16 bribery-related charges. (Nola.com -- Sports)
VISTA: Trade Tech opens with fewer students than expected Sep 17, 2008
A freshman in a standard program should be in algebra. The school should not be figuring out if the student is meeting California State standards. (North County Times)
Award-winning charter school a 'labor of love' for its staff Sep 17, 2008
Bob Donaldson/Post-Gazette Teacher Bill Orr, right, watches as eighth-grader Amivah Abdul-Raheem jumps in to help classmate Jess Ames solve an algebra problem during a "brain busters" segment in his math class at Manchester Academic Charter School ... Walking the four-story building, Mr. Scoumis opens the door to an eighth-grade algebra class, where math teacher Bill Orr has written a grisly polynomial fraction on the blackboard. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Aggie Soccer Continues Home Stand This Week Sep 16, 2008
Utah State Official Athletic Site. Freshman Molli Merrill and the Aggies host two matches this week. (Utahstateaggies.com)
Book Review: Match Wits with the Ki... Sep 16, 2008
Mathematics: definitions of basic mathematical terminology including fractions, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability. History: predominantly focused on British history with significant battles, a listing of prime ministers (including the position under its previous title as First Lord of the Treasury), and a summary of British history. (Suite101.com)
BHS students continue to score above state ACT composite average Sep 16, 2008
In terms of math performance, the BHS students who completed the exam were even with the state average for college algebra. BHS students scored 1 percent lower than the state level for college social science readiness, while BHS students scored 2 percent higher than the state level for those who are ready for college biology. (Mid Iowa Enterprise, IA)
Freshman at Mayville State is 54 Sep 14, 2008
And he has plenty of help down the hallway for his struggles with his laptop and Intermediate Algebra. "I walk slowly to that class because of the torture I know is coming," he said. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Math Fairs for Engaging Students Sep 13, 2008
The math content focus is on higher levels of mathematics, such as: algebra II, calculus, and advanced placement math courses ... Algebra patterns, relationships, and functions. (Suite101.com)
Some meeting’ Sep 13, 2008
What ought to be explained is why the high school did not reach out to parents on its own in reaction to the mass failure in beginning algebra last term. The Lebanon school system now is embroiled in the attempted recall of two board members. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
State budget impasse tough on public schools Sep 13, 2008
(09-11) 19:21 PDT -- Teacher Melissa Roman is supposed to have just 20 kids in her Algebra 1 class under a state program meant to keep math classes small so students learning English can get enough attention. Images. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Budget impasse = more crowded classrooms Sep 12, 2008
(09-11) 19:21 PDT -- Teacher Melissa Roman is supposed to have just 20 kids in her Algebra 1 class under a state program meant to keep math classes small so students learning English can get enough attention ... " Crowded classrooms The size of Melissa Roman's algebra class at James Logan High School in Union City has more than doubled this year as a result of the district's decision not to fill 14 teaching positions because of the state's budget crisis: 202 Number of teachers at Logan last... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Gwinnett schools make changes to boost CRCT scores Sep 12, 2008
She used the example of teaching algebra. Successful teachers need to make sure they find the real-life application so students understand the why with the what, she said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Murrah schedules Parents' Night Out event Sep 12, 2008
The event is for parents or guardians, especially those with children enrolled in Algebra I, Biology I, English II or U.S. history. Workshops will be offered to help parents learn about the state tests their children will take this year. (The Clarion-Ledger)
In her memory Sep 12, 2008
The two met in algebra class. "I used to mess with her all the time," he said. (The Clarion-Ledger)
David Bruton/Maurice Crum Jr. Press Conference Transcript - Sept. 11 Sep 12, 2008
I was in my algebra class actually. We got a message over the intercom, put the TV on. (Und.com)
Qualifications Of A Community Organizer Sep 11, 2008
"Rebellion is a natural part of adolescence. If you can capture that rebellion and channel it in a positive way, then you get kids protesting that they can't get into college because they can't get their algebra class. We recruited a number of young people like that when they were 12, 13, 14 years old, and they're running the organization now." The Community Coalition also worked to clean up vacant buildings and vacant lots, get the city to improve its code enforcement in slum housing, and... (CBS News)
TISD plans to ‘turn around’ TAKS scores Sep 11, 2008
Two Region XIII math instructional coaches, Carol Lindell and Amin Lalani, will work with Algebra I teachers at the high school four days a week ... Students that do poorly in Algebra I do poorly in other areas as well, in turn delivering a low score in the math portion of the TAKS test at the high school level, Scott said. (Taylor Daily Press, TX)
Lebanon math meeting ends with frustration, some progress Sep 11, 2008
Baker's daughter, a junior, was one of 47 percent of students who failed third-trimester Algebra I last year. Baker met with Finch last spring to ask for a plan to help struggling students. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Forget the past - it's only history Sep 11, 2008
I wish I had thought of it back in school when I was forced to subject myself to a final exam in higher algebra. I could have told Miss Mortenson, "I am a Christian and when you gave me a D, you only showed your contempt for the Lord and for the godly hard-working people from whom I have sprung, you elitist battleaxe you.". (International Herald Tribune)
Californians not so pumped about eighth grade algebra. Sep 11, 2008
Californians not so pumped about eighth grade algebra ... Students in California will be required to complete Algebra I by eighth grade, a similar standard being implemented in Minnesota ... "A controversial decision that requires all California eighth-graders to be tested in algebra has started a court fight between groups representing local schools and the State Board of Education.Two organizations that advocate for hundreds of school districts and thousands of school officials are suing the... (Winona Daily News, MN)
America Shares Obama’s Popularity Complex Sep 11, 2008
We forget algebra, the first line of the Gettysburg Address, and how to properly construct a sentence, but there s one lesson everyone remembers from high school: the popularity game is an equal-opportunity promise of disaster. It s worse than a high-stakes gamble, because even the few who win end up paying too high a price. (Human Events Online)
New math teacher at Mid-Prairie Middle School Sep 11, 2008
Can you remember how to find a coefficient in any algebraic problem ... Well, if those terms aren't ringing a bell, perhaps you need a refresher course in algebra ... Mrs. Carroll has found that through using "hands on" exercises at the beginning of class, students can more easily visualize and conquer some of the same algebraic challenges most adults recall from their youth with a shudder. (Kalona News, IA)
Full circle: Benson High School graduate Katie Barrera has returned to BHS as a teacher. (Thelma Grimes/photo.) Sep 10, 2008
Barrera said there was an opening for an algebra teacher at the high school and she decided to interview. "I am really excited about this job," she said. (Benson San Pedro Valley News Sun, AZ)
Bleak results for summer school Sep 10, 2008
Eleven students from Bartlett Yancey High School attended summer school for English I, 12 for Biology, 22 for Algebra I and 20 for Civics and Economics. Out of these students 5 passed the requirements to be promoted from English I, 5 met the requirements to be promoted from Biology, 19 students from Algebra I and 7 met the requirements to be promoted from Civics and Economics. (Yanceyville Caswell Messenger, NC)
SYHS football coach resigns Sep 10, 2008
Nicastro did not return several calls this week, but Superintendent Paul Turnbull said that Cunningham will still be teaching his algebra and geometry classes, and he hadn't spoken directly with Cunningham to discuss his role as a coach beyond this season. I do know that Josh is taking the appropriate steps to ensure that the football program is just as good as it has always been, Turnbull said. (Santa Maria Times)
Valley students hold their own on exit exam Sep 10, 2008
The math section of the exit exam tests state standards through algebra I (usually taken by ninth grade), while the English part covers up to 10th-grade language arts ... This year, they started a class called "algebra I for exit-exam takers" and are starting to develop preparation activities, said Larry Hines, director of assessment and evaluation. (Modesto Bee, CA)
