Re: bottom up/top down

Linda Polin (lpolin who-is-at pepperdine.edu)
Sun, 1 Aug 1999 20:28:58 -0700

>Dear Colleagues,
>
> Is there a clear analogue in early math instruction that parallels
>the debates in reading instruction over code first versus whole reading
>instruction?
>mike

In California there has been bitter debate over the "new" math standards
which appear to pit "problem solving" and mathematical concepts against
factoids and procedural knowledge:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/mathman/reed.htm

here are some samples of scary parent groups organizing on the web:
http://www.mathematicallycorrect.com/
http://www.rahul.net/dehnbase/hold/

Given that the state has decided NOT to impose a MICA test for credential
candidates (comparable to the RICA test of teachers' reading instruction
knowledge), I suppose the debate won't get as nasty...

Linda P.