The Bellevue School District has the opportunity to significantly improve middle and high school math instruction, but without input from the community it may not happen.

The district is considering two new math series: Holt and Discovering.  Holt was the only curriculum recommended by the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), after lengthy review.  OSPI rejected Discovering because the final review by the State Board of Education found it to be “mathematically unsound.”

We need look no further than Lake Washington School District to see that Discovering would be a poor choice. Lake Washington has seen no significant or sustained improvement to its achievement gap since adopting Discovering.

This selection process in Bellevue began without any parent involvement.  To her enormous credit, the new superintendent, Dr. Amalia Cudeiro, insisted that parents be represented on the math committee.  Four parents were added. A final recommendation will be made to the School Board in March.

The Bellevue PTSA Council is having a guided tour and discussion of these math textbooks from 7-9 p.m. on Feb. 8 in the International School cafeteria.  You can also review the two math series at district high schools, where feedback forms are also provided.  Finally, you may write directly to the committee at MathAdoption@bsd405.org.

Sharon Peaslee, Bellevue