Changes to Math Program Proposed at Plainview Board Meeting

Taking more mathematics courses earlier is an equation that seems to add up for the Board of Education.

Board members Monday night were presented with the advantages of the idea from Ron Labrocca, chair of the district's K-12 Mathematics program. Labrocca told board members of his plan for changing the way Plainview students take high school math.

"The objective is to expose kids to the variety of courses they will need in colleges," Labrocca said. "(Math) is a gateway to graduation and I want all of our students to have the opportunity to take the higher level courses. "

Currently, students take algebra courses over two years, typically ninth and 10th grades, before moving into geometry. That system is still in place because of the state's now defunct "Math A and Math B" model, Labrocca said.

By moving toward completing algebra in one year, more students will have an opportunity to experience upper-level math programs, such as calculus and physics, which requires a strong math foundation, he said.

Algebra is challenging for many students. Under Labrocca's plan, students would have a 90-minute lab along with their regular class time during their year of algebra. The program would have to be phased in over a few years, Labrocca said, and would require some creative scheduling.

Labrocca said he established just such a program when he was a teacher at Syosset 27 years ago. That model is still in place there, he said.

School Board President Gary Bettan said he'd like to see more students involved in the upper-level curriculum. "This is a gateway to graduation and want our students to be able to take the higher level courses," Bettan said. "Where ever the state standards go, I'd want Plainview to go above and better," he said.

Labrocca indicated that he believes the program could be implemented without an increase in full-time staffing. Curriculum changes may be needed in the earlier grades to prepare students for high school algebra, officials said.

"I think our kids are capable of doing a lot more than we're giving them," Bettan said. "Math is cumulative … You build on what you learn as you go along, and the earlier they are exposed to it the better." Bettan said.

Final decisions on the math curriculum are a ways off.  "There's more to come," Labrocca said.