Classroom needs
While one plus one will always equal two, the tool students use to figure this out has changed from the abacus to a calculator.
“The way they (students) are learning changes. The basic subject stays the same, but students are learning algebra at a different age now,” said Johncy Martin, math teacher at Ardmore High School.
Textbooks are updated in six-year cycles throughout the state. The updates are needed to reflect changes in technology and objectives. The cycle targets the purchase of math textbooks for this coming year.
The last high school math books purchased came with a CD and an online component to aid students while doing homework. Technological activities provided in the textbook taught students how to use the latest in graphing calculators — which in turn helped students work math problems.
“As technology changes, we have to have books to show us how to use it,” Martin said. “We need to make sure they (textbooks) are as up-to-date as possible.”
In addition, to providing AHS students with the advantages their peers at other schools throughout the state have access to, all high school students are required to take an End Of Instruction exam in algebra I and II, Passing the algebra I exam is required in order to graduate.
However, dwindling school dollars will make it difficult for ACS officials to purchase the latest math textbook offerings in the coming year. The average state allotment for a math textbook is $55 per student in attendance, not students enrolled. And $55 is just the starting purchase point. School officials said high school math textbooks can range in price from $55 to $77 per book.
According to a statement from Ardmore City Schools, “as the district prepares for the math textbook adoption, the anticipated shortfall in textbook funding from the state will have to be taken into consideration. The shortfall, without the assistance of bond funding, may result in limited purchases of textbooks and library books. The schools may continue to use the old textbooks.”
Other areas affected by the low dollar budget includes technology purchases. In addition to students being forced to use outdated equipment, there is the overall lack of computers. And not enough computers affects student abilities to take EOI tests. (The state requires all EOI testing be done online.)
Due to a shortage of computers at the high school in spring 2009, students had to be bused to Franklin and Charles Evans elementary schools to complete their testing.
Still, the district remains committed to doing the best they can with the resources available.
“ACS will continue to provide our students with the best possible education in the safest environment given the limited resources we have been provided. Ardmore teachers, staff and administration remain committed to the academic achievement and safety of the children of this school district,” said assistant superintendent Dr. Fred Wright.
Jennifer Lindsey 221-6536
