To the editor:

I believe the South Whidbey School District’s adoption of “Discovering Algebra,” “Discovering Geometry” and “Discovering Advanced Algebra” was the result of a well-researched and well-conducted textbook adoption process.

These textbooks are “traditional” according to the state Superintendent of Public Instruction’s classification system. They represent the best of critical thinking, problem solving and mastery of traditional theorems, proofs, formulas and equations. These are, in my opinion, balanced textbooks with opportunities for traditional drill and practice.

I have personally reviewed in their entirety the algebra and geometry tests.

The committee consisted of eight teachers of mathematics and two administrators who conducted a year-long process of research, data analysis, review of state math standards and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education reports, and concluded by recommending the Discovering books.

When studying current mathematics instruction, it becomes apparent that people align themselves in camps. One camp is traditional. The other is constructivist.

“Discovery” is usually a term associated with the constructivist viewpoint. These activities are completed and the student “discovers” the formula or theory.

A more traditional approach would be to present the formula or equation, then how the calculation is done, and finally have some practice problems to reinforce the skills.

The Discovering books, despite their title, are not predominantly constructivist, but rather represent a balanced approach drawing on both traditional and constructivist instructional strategies.

I believe the members of our math-adoption team selected an excellent series for high school math that will serve the needs of our students well, and that the results of their selection and use will be improved student achievement in math.

I would like to thank the math adoption team members:

Kathy Stanley, primary school teacher;

Pam Muncey, intermediate school teacher;

Susan Ritzner, intermediate school teacher;

Sandy Gilbert, Langley Middle School math teacher;

Jan Mahaffey, LMS math teacher;

Louise Fiori, Bayview and LMS math teacher;

David Nelson, South Whidbey High School math department head/teacher;

Tim Durbin, SWHS teacher;

Lana Johnson, WIA math teacher;

John Patton, assistant principal, SWHS;

Mike Johnson, executive director of teaching and learning/special education director.

Fred McCarthy

District superintendent