As a parent of a sophomore and a sixth grader in Bellevue schools, I have watched the math adoption process over the last several months with interest. I was able view the Discovering and Holt books and want to provide feedback.

When I compared the curricula under consideration, I found the Holt series to be stronger. In Holt, the units were better organized, had better examples and did a better job of breaking down complicated concepts into understandable building blocks. Discovering was closer to CMP (BSD’s current math curriculum) than Holt with more verbage, less instruction, fewer examples. My sophomore participated in the pilot program and was very vocal in her praise of the Holt unit she used. In her words, “way fewer words, good examples, understandable problems.” She was frustrated when the pilot program ended.

I understand that the State Board of Education recommends Holt and has found Discovering to be weak. In addition, Seattle schools have been caught up in a lawsuit over adoption of Discovering. I am amazed that BSD would keep Discovering in the running.

I believe that I represent many concerned parents when I say that if the math debate seems one sided it is because the district has not been able to articulate why it continues to consider adopting Discovering under these circumstances when another viable option exists.

Sadly, the word on the street is that the decision to adopt Discovering was made many months ago and the whole process of gathering community input has been a charade. Time will tell.

Betsy Conyard, Bellevue