Readers: The Education Week article below was posted to the list on June 1, 2001. The article had an incorrect URL forthe MathematicallySane website. Here is the correct URL for the website: http://MathematicallySane.com/index.html The E-mail address is: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *************************************** *************************************** From Education Week [Teaching and Learning section], May 30, 2001, Volume 20, Number 38, p. 10. See http://www.edweek.com/ew/ew_printstory.cfm?slug=38tandl.h20 *************************************** Mathematics Underground By Jeff Archer, David J. Hoff, & Kathleen Kennedy Manzo A band of anonymous supporters of progressive mathematics education has created a Web site to counter a recent tide of criticism aimed at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' standards. "There are at least two sides to every issue, including the so-called 'math wars,'" says the mission statement posted on http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/index.html. "For too long, however, the public has heard primarily from the side of the traditionalists. MathematicallySane.com has been developed to balance the equation. "For too long, the case for reform has been unfairly characterized as 'fuzzy math,' " the statement continues. "MathematicallySane has been created to provide an alternative-and more accurate-view of reform by making a compelling case that changes in our nation's mathematics programs are imperative for our students' future success and for the economic health of our nation." The site highlights research showing that curricula written to meet the NCTM standards have yielded growth in student learning, as well as analysis of the debate over whether to emphasize basic knowledge and skills or focus on conceptual learning. It includes links to other organizations' analyses of the math wars, including NCTM documents that offer brief descriptions of the group's standards. "We have chosen not to reveal our identities because past experiences have shown that we would then be targeted as individuals," one of the organizers wrote in response to an inquiry sent to the site's e-mail address. "We want people to focus on the information provided on our site, not on us." The responder added that more than 300 people had signed up for MathematicallySane's mailing list since the site was launched May 2. ********************************************* -- Jerry P.Becker Department of Curriculum & Instruction Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL 62901-4610 USA Phone: (618) 453-4241 [O] (618) 457-8903 [H] Fax: (618) 453-4244 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------------------------- This is the CPS Mathematics Teacher Discussion List. To unsubscribe, send a message to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For more information: <http://home.sprintmail.com/~mikelach/subscribe.html>. To search the archives: <http://www.mail-archive.com/science%40lists.csi.cps.k12.il.us/>
