The Haddonfield School District is re-evaluating its math curriculum for the middle school and high school after scores on standardized testing were lower than most schools that fall under the District Factor Group J designation of the state Department of Education.
Assistant Superintendent Michael Wilson delivered an update during the Haddonfield Board of Education meeting on Oct.17.
Following his presentation on standardized testing, including AP, HSPA and SAT scores, Wilson said that the middle school and high school math curriculum is currently in the process of being audited by committees composed of teachers, administrators and parents.
Wilson also explained that a possible factor for low scores in the math portion of the SAT, could be linked to the length of time that passes between the time a student is enrolled in an algebra course and when they are eligible to take the SATs.
Wilson explained that a typical student may have a period of two to three years pass after his or her last algebra course when it is time to take the SATs, a test that includes a significant math section.
According to the Haddonfield Memorial High School 2013 to 2014 program of studies, students enrolled in the accelerated sequence have already completed algebra I and II prior to entering the ninth grade, going on to complete courses in geometry, probability, statistics and trigonometry, precalculus and calculus.
Students in the advanced sequence enroll in algebra II in ninth grade, but also take geometry, probability, statistics, and trigonometry and calculus in later grades. Only those students participating in regular sequence revisit algebra later in high school, taking algebra I in ninth grade and algebra II in 11th.
“We do it different than everybody else,” Wilson said during the meeting.
Wilson added that Haddonfield is the only school in the district factor group that offers a math course in probability, statistics and trigonometry. He explained that other districts instead will often build those areas of mathematics into other courses offered through the curriculum.
Student representative Jillian Stone said she found difficulty in preparing for the SAT after some time had passed since her last algebra course.
“I think it would be beneficial to have algebra later on,” said Stone.
Glenn Moramarco said that standardized test scores can only be weighted so much, as he said the overall objective of the curriculum was “to get students where they should be.”
Following the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Richard Perry said there is no set timeline for the curriculum audits to be completed, adding that it may take months or even a year before the audits are completed.
“Once you make a change, it’s going to resonate,” Perry said in reference to updating the curriculum if need be.
Ensuring that extensive research is done, the audits will weigh the pros and cons of the current math curriculum to evaluate any possible need for adjustments. He added that the board is taking a “careful approach” to address the current curriculum.
“We’re always looking to improve through change,” Perry said.
Perry also added that standardized testing scores in the language section for the district were the highest of all J districts and that he was very proud of
both the high school’s advanced placement and accelerated sequences.
“We believe we have a very comprehensive program” Perry said.
In other news:
• The Tatem Elementary School principal presented awards to two students who were commended by the board. Tatem student Joseph Poliafico was honored after receiving recognition from the Haddon Fire Company for alerting his father to a fire at a neighboring house.
In addition, Alexandra Brown was awarded as the winner of the Letters to Lizzy Essay Contest.
• Haddonfield Memorial High School Dean of Student Life Tracy Mattozo also presented two students with commendations. MacKenzie VanBuskirk of Haddonfield Middle School was awarded for his volunteerism at Give Kids the World Village, an organization located in Central Florida that provides free lodging for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Also awarded for his volunteer efforts was Nicholas Powles of Haddonfield Memorial High School, who was awarded for mentoring children in “Kids Alley” an after-school program located in Camden.
• During the student representative report, Stone announced that Haddonfield’s girls tennis had brought home the title of Group 2 state champions after defeating Holmdel 3–2 just hours before the start of the board of education meeting.
