Why a Poll? Why Now? A Significant Sample...

One of the primary reasons I started this poll was to provide K-12 educators an opportunity to express their opinion about a central issue in mathematics education: the teaching of algorithms, multiplication in particular, as well as the issue of the expectation of mastery.

Why now? The work of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel is essentially complete and their recommendations will soon be published. MathNotation's readers for the past year know that I sent numerous emails, repeatedly urging the directors of the panel to include several practicing K-12 classroom teachers on this panel, if only in an ex officio capacity. All such requests were respectfully denied. I published both my emails and the replies of the panel in full on this blog. Classroom teachers were not able to provide direct input to the Panel because they were not represented, their voices were not heard, other than the lone voice of a single 8th grade teacher who was invited to be on the panel. If interested, go to the Labels section in the sidebar and read the (5) posts tagged with National Math Panel.

Surely, the Panel, with the cooperation of NCTM, could have developed a survey of our nation's math teachers. A survey which would have allowed tens of thousands of educators to express their knowledgeable opinions of what they believe is best for the mathematics education of their students. But this did not happen...

This was an important part of why I created this apparently insignificant little poll, consisting of just one question among the many which need to be asked and answered. Just a drop in the bucket, but I believe it is a central question for our children. It addresses perhaps the heart of the Reform vs. Traditional debate in our country.

This poll is intended for all visitors, whether they be parents, students, scientists, research mathematicians, administrators, curriculum specialists, classroom educators or anyone else who cares about the future of our children. However, I particularly urge the classroom teacher of mathematics not only to use this forum to express their feelings but also to encourage their colleagues to vote. A statistically significant sample here can be used by anyone who may need data to inform curricular decisions. Perhaps others will heed the message too.

The poll ends on February 29th. Keep it alive - spread the word! We're receiving a steady trickle of votes but we need many more. I won't yet comment on the majority opinion, however, you can see the results yourself when you submit your vote.

Reminder: Be part of the NEW MathNotations Poll on Multiplication!

I'm posting this again (and I will probably be posting frequent updates over the next 30 days) to make sure everyone knows there is now a poll in the sidebar! The original post explaining this is here. Please choose the option that most closely matches your feelings about which multiplication algorithm(s) should be taught in Grades 3-5 as well as the issue of mastery.

I believe you're only allowed to vote once. After you submit the vote, the current tally is updated and the results appear in the sidebar in place of the survey options (only snippets may appear). Pls let me know if you're having difficulty reading the 4 options before voting.

This poll is an opportunity for your voice to be heard regarding a critical issue in mathematics education. I hope you will participate.