Right now, the Washington State Legislature is looking at drafts to rewrite the Washington State Mathematics Standards. If you go to this website, click on the tab that says "Find Your District," enter in your address and it will tell you who your representatives are, and how to contact them (including clicking to email them).
http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/
As a parent or interested voter, your input right now CAN make a difference because it is happening right now and legislators will be making decisions in the next few weeks (or sooner) that will affect what your school district will do, what curriculum is used, and what teachers will teach children for years to come.
I suggest that you write and tell your representatives what your opinion is. If you are like me, you might want to mention what you want in changed in the current lax and vague State Math Standards.
1. A balanced math program with more emphasis on computational skills because right now basic skills practice isn't happening and standard algorithms are being ignored.
2. Clear expectation of mastery of topics so student can have a foundation to learn more advanced years
3. Grade level expectations match grades of other states that are considered to have good standards to encourage publishers to create better curricula.
Here is an article written by a legislator about some of the issues in getting the new standards written:
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080119/OPINION03/585720820/-1/opinion03
Here is a link to the current (2nd) draft of the state standards written by Dana Center:
http://www.utdanacenter.org/wamathrevision/downloads/k12standards_draft_08jan21.pdf
Here is a link that includes criticism of the Dana Center document and puts forth an alternate standards document that will be presented to the state legislature:
http://www.wheresthemath.com/blog/2008/01/21/pre-release-announcement/
I encourage everyone to write and give their input now, before it is too late.
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