Reform Math is WASL Math and it hurts our students

"While "problem-based learning" is sometimes effective, it is very time-consuming; its overuse takes time away from learning and practicing the needed algebra skills. In my view, understanding and skills build on each other, and the standards result in less of both.
The WASL, too, is based on those standards. Two recent studies found the WASL particularly weak in algebra. We need to recognize that our students' improving WASL scores have little to do with their readiness for college math. As we direct our curriculum more and more toward skills that are reflected in the WASL, we harm our students' chances for success in college. "

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