HOLLISTER
A new math initiative aligning mathematics curriculum in local classrooms has teachers and administrators excited about potential advancements on standardized test scores.
Beginning this year, algebra teachers at San Benito High School and Spring Grove School began incorporating a new teaching program that emphasizes collaboration between teachers and using the most proven teaching methods in the classroom.
The program has been well received by teachers who say they’ve noticed a difference in their classrooms.
Initially, the program was intended to be incorporated into the Hollister School District curriculum as well. The idea was that students would be taught mathematics using the same vocabulary and in the same vein throughout their academic careers. But the funding was not available, and the program had to be put on hold in the elementary and middle school district.
High school teachers using the program, however, say its been an effective way of teaching.
“I’ve had a few students who have taken algebra before say, ‘I’ve seen that in the past, but I get it now,'” said Liz Guttierez, who teaches Algebra and Algebra II at the high school.
Guttierez said she expects this improvement will be reflected when students take standardized math tests later this year.
With the program, teachers are encouraged to talk among one another and share their best methods of teaching certain lessons. The teachers are also given pre-written lesson plans, which they all follow at the same time. This way students can transfer from class to class without getting behind.
“For me, it keeps me on track. We’re all, everyday, at the same pace, giving the same lessons, the same tests, the same homework,” Guttierez said.
Jenny Bernosky, who teaches algebra at Spring Grove, has attended the training with the high school teachers. She said its been helpful to have the collaboration between schools.
“We’ve never collaborated with the high school before,” Bernosky said. “Now we’re having the conversations with the algebra teachers, which is great so we can hear what they’re doing.”
She added that her students are benefiting from the program as well and seem to be learning much faster than in years past.
But the program has its critics.
Guttierez said while most of the math teachers she talked to liked the program, some felt they lacked freedom with so many of their lessons mapped out.
Still, especially for the first-year and new teachers, the program has allowed them to start their careers with solid guidelines and collaborations on the best ways to teach. The teachers say they hope to soon get more districts involved.
“That’s the goal, the ultimate goal, so that the collaboration is that much better between the middle schools and the high school,” Bernosky said. “That’s the goal here, is to filter down to the fourth grade.”
Guttierez said she also hopes the program will get incorporated into the middle schools once they get the funds so that students can arrive at the high school having been taught mathematics the same way.
