How are the students given the information about the math changes?  (Flagstaff Teachers, Admin and Staff Rock!) Students were not told directly about the change in mathematics curriculum because their minds are very open at this age, and they easily adapt to new instructions, as long as it is taught consistently, which it has been.  In general students are not having issues in class with the math instruction.

I think teachers find this math helpful because it teaches to the high level learners as well as the low level learners.  (ex. those that get the topic quickly vs those that need more help)  I feel like the faster learners are being short changed even though they are able to do "projects", which seem like a way to fill the time.  Can't they just move to the next lesson?  We want our children to not move on quickly through the material, but to fully gain mastery.  It is one thing to quickly cover something, and have that child move on to the next thing, it is true learning to cover something, and have a child gain a deep understanding of it.  Students in the advanced classes go deeper into the conceptual portion of math, which sets them up for greater success in the advanced math classes in High School and college.

I would like to be sure there is enough information for the parents (to) learn this method of learning math, including Vocabulary etc...  
If I cannot get the question correct with the amount of high level math courses I have taken, then that is a problem.  Remember, we are teaching students a conceptual way of learning math., which is unlike anything we ever learned as students.  If you view the website and visual learning bridges on the website, you would quickly pick up the conceptual piece.  I also encourage you to attend one of your upcoming math sessions or contact your teacher directly to get a better idea of what conceptual piece is being taught in the classroom.

If they stay in enVision can they get into AP classes at Niwot?   Yes.

Can they get into college with this curriculum... a math or science engineer major?  Yes.

Will our kids have to take summer school in order to pass tests to get into algebra and beyond?  Definitely not.

How often do they check if enVision is working?  I'm concerned that my kid will get into 8th grade and (it) wont work, then can't excel in High School and beyond.  Remember, this is a change we are making because standards for all of Colorado and many other states now require a conceptual understanding as well as the traditional algorithmic understanding.  A conceptual approach to mathematics is common in other countries, and what we as educators are learning is that the conceptual understanding leads to better performance in math.  Our students will be tested on these concepts through topic tests, benchmark tests, a nationally normed assessment called the NWEA three times a year, and the state test of TCAP annually.
Would love a monthly math night for parents+teachers+students.  Thanks

Terri Long, Assistant Principal

Comment:  Thanks.  I really appreciate the time and effort you all put into the meeting.   Thank You, we really appreciate you taking the time to attend the meeting and learn more first hand about the enVision math curriculum.  -Flagstaff PTO

After hearing the 3rd grade parents' concerns tonight, it almost sounds that "No Child Left Behind" is nothing more than slowing down advanced students so the rest can catch up.  True?  If not, why not?
  You can visit the St. Vrain Valley School District website to see what the District is doing for the NCLB Act and which school(s) it applies to in our district.
http://www.stvrain.k12.co.us/district/legislativeCompliance/noChildLeftBehind/
Colorado is no longer a No Child Left Behind State.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46323704/ns/politics/t/official-states-given-waiver-no-child-left-behind-learning-laws/#.UP4Z2R1X288

What additional training sessions for parents will you offer?  The school is trying to set up additional nights like this for parents who have interest.