Minooka CCSD 201 is considering adoption of a new math program for 6th, 7th and 8th grades. The program is called "Digits" and is produced by Pearson Publishing. More information can be found at their website. (You can even view the training videos that show how a sample lesson proceeds as well as see how the program incorporates technology.)
While a perusal of the Digits website shows a program with highly integrated use of technology, the program is not without its detractors. Click here for an article about another school district's adoption of Digits.
In addition, this brochure and summary of a controlled trial were provided to Minooka CCSD 201.
The analytic sample was comprised of 94 classrooms and 2,109 students.....doesn't seem large enough or reliable enough for me to be persuaded.
ReplyDeleteGroup Mathematics Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation is what these PEARSON researchers used to test the effectiveness of this PEARSON math program. And can you guess who designed and sells this assessment? yep - PEARSON! wow how unbiased of them!
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, student academic attitude surveys were administered in Fall 2011 and Spring 2012. The survey was developed by Gatti Evaluation, and included questions related to
ReplyDeletegeneral math attitude, confidence, motivation, and self-perceived aptitude
Oh how wonderful of Pearson and it's "Digits Math" analysis. They even took a student survey. Pearson owns and operates "Gatti Evaluation" too.
You claim that "Pearson owns and operates 'Gatti Evaluation' too." Do you have a citation for that? I didn't see that on Pearson's website or Gatti's. If that were the case, one would expect a disclaimer somewhere in the study.
Delete"owns and operates" is hyperbole I suppose....sorry but Mr. Gatti's resume can be found here http://home.comcast.net/~gggatti/resume.htm
ReplyDeleteand he seems to make a lot of money doing work for Pearson.....I just drew my own (more critical and suspicious) conclusions I guess.