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Math teachers and community voice concerns as district plans tutors and a study of RAMS program
Summary
A public commenter and committee members raised concerns about math program direction, use of IXL and planned math tutors; a new study committee was announced to examine the RAMS program with potential effects on the high school.
During public comment at the April 3 Holliston School Committee meeting, a local math teacher and parent urged the district to listen to math teachers and expressed concerns about proposed curriculum changes and the district’s plan to add math tutors.
Ann Kenoni, who identified herself as a teacher and frequent meeting attendee, told the committee that 13 math teachers on a 2023 curriculum review committee had voted to reinstate levels in seventh grade and continue levels in eighth grade, and she said administrators did not accept that recommendation. Kenoni criticized the ongoing uncertainty around the district’s math program and said teachers have had minimal professional-development support for new curriculum. She warned against removing geometry standards from Algebra I at RAMS and replacing classroom instruction with IXL and a “math tutor,” saying IXL is not an effective substitute for direct instruction.
Kenoni cited the proposed budget, saying it includes three new math tutor positions (two at Grammas and one at Holliston High School) and asked how tutors would be integrated. Committee members asked for clarification; one member noted a footnote and some ambiguity about whether the budget listed two or three positions. The committee acknowledged the need for a clear plan for integrating tutors and for the chair of the newly formed committee studying the RAMS math program to be open-minded and representative of different perspectives.
No formal action or vote occurred on these curriculum concerns during the meeting. Committee members and administrators said they appreciated teacher feedback and indicated that operational details (how tutors are used, program changes) would be addressed by administration during implementation planning. The committee encouraged continued engagement from teachers, students and families as the district moves toward implementation of the high school schedule and related program changes.
