Curriculum critics' numbers increase

Three hour debate among parents and staff over new program changes, By David Hulse SHOHOLA — School board work session audiences are often made up of district staff and the media, but about 100 persons turned out Jan. 14 as questioning increased about the Delaware Valley School District’s instituting non-traditional elementary and middle-school curriculums. After an hour of regular business, the board heard dozens of people comment - some, mostly staff, favoring the changes - but the majority were highly critical. The session went on for another three hours without any sign of resolution. In general, parents complained that the Springboard programs lowered the achievement levels to allow higher passing grade averages among more students and thus harmed the college admission chances of more advanced students. Parents, including some teachers, claimed the Math Investigations curriculum, which was designed to enhance the understanding of math and does not press traditional memorization of various tables and formulas, will leave students unprepared for practical math usage. The programs were purchased with federal “earmarked” funds, which could only be spent in specific program areas. “Why spend $400,000 to fix something that’s not broke,” critic Stacey Beecher Chelak asked, noting that the district scores well on state achievement (PSSA) testing. John Fallon, a representative of the Springboard developer, College Boards, criticized the quality of state testing, saying the state’s proficiency levels are good enough for them, but not for you. Chelak called Fallon’s comments “a sales pitch,” and further claimed that school administrators had encouraged teachers to come to the meeting and support the curriculum and that some who dislike the curriculum are afraid to speak. Administrators from all seven schools were on hand and in turn denied her charges, as did the teachers’ union president Amy Letwinsky. School Board president Sue Casey said the intent of change was to improve the curriculum. “If we made a mistake, we’ll fix it,” she said of Math Investigations. “When will you vote on this,” Chelak asked. Board Vice-President Pam Lutfy said the board would need some time to “unravel this.” Several parents said their children didn’t have time. One of the last speakers noted declining student numbers in the district and predicted those numbers will get worse if the board doesn’t act.