"Fuzzy Math" War in Seattle

Rachel Tuinsta:

Educators and parents say it's a debate between conceptual vs. computational math.

It's a battle centered around curriculum, teaching materials and textbooks with the question on everyone's mind: What is the best way for students to learn math?

The debate has spurred Eastside parents to sign petitions and lobby district officials for changes; some even have decided to run for school board.

What most students are learning in Eastside classrooms and across the nation is known as "conceptual" math, sometimes called new math, or what Killeen and other parents call "fuzzy" math.

In elementary grades, it focuses more on the "why," not just the "how." Students are asked to explain what the numbers mean, not just what the correct answer is. They are shown different ways to do the same problem and are encouraged to find their own methods.

But some parents say this method is shortchanging children, leaving them without a solid foundation in basic math concepts.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at July 16, 2007 12:00 AM
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