1. Here is the latest list of schools in need of teachers. Sandy Spring needs
one full-time in 6th grade math and science. WES still needs a 5th grade teacher
for one class. Sidwell needs a 7th/8th grade teacher in March for three
months.
2. A reminder: the middle school math meet at Newport has been moved to Feb.
6. Other meet information: Coaches from both upper and middle school teams
should call the host school with your attendance. The upper school meet
questions for this year are complete, but we need people to write questions for
next year. Click here to view some sample
old questions. The next upper school meet is at Holton-Arms, Thursday, October
26. Click here for directions.
3. The treasurer's report was distributed. If appropriate, please send your
dues and meet fees if you have not done so already to Betsy Wright, Washington
Episcopal School, 5600 Little Falls Parkway, Bethesda, MD 20816.
4. The main topic of discussion was what we as educators are doing to slow
the overacceleration of our students. Joan Reinthaler moderated. There were
several fascinating documents distributed, from Joan, Beth Hansen, and Nina
Koltnow. Joan had written a letter to the AMS complaining about college
admissions officers' over-emphasizing the importance of calculus on a student's
high school transcript. Nina distributed a packet of documents, including (a)
FAQ for parents about Sidwell's seventh grade math program; (b) position papers
regarding algebra readiness and appropriate math choices ISMAW has written in
past years; and (c) two articles from outside sources regarding this issue. Joan
and Nina each distributed position papers written by the upper school math
department at Sidwell. Beth sent an email that was distributed electronically.
If you would like to see any of these documents, please let your loyal secretary
know, and I will send you copies.
5. Beth's email described the choices students at St. Stephen's/St. Agnes
have, and these choices seem similar at a lot of schools nowadays. Students who
sort of rushed through algebra and pre-calculus can take AP statistics senior
year as an alternative to AB calculus.
6. Betty King mentioned that Maret has discontinued their 7th grade algebra I
course. At this time there was the usual panning of the three-week algebra
courses taught by the Center for Talented Youth (Johns Hopkins). Georgetown Day,
not present, and Jewish Day, do have algebra I courses for seventh graders. To
apply for honors classes at JDS, students must apply and give written answers to
questions.
7. Joan asked how many seniors were taking calculus at various schools. At
St. Albans, it is about 60%, with a few BC students in 11th grade. Sandy
Spring's percentage is about 25%, Queen Anne's about 33%, JDS 40-50%, Sidwell
25-30%. At NCS, about 85% take calculus, but a lot of them do not end up loving
math, according to Harriet Scheuermann. AP Statistics is not presently an option
at NCS.
8. The next meeting is at NCS, Thursday, December 7, 2000. Click here for details, and here for directions.