Western Reserve Schools’ changes add up

By Denise Dick

denise_dick@vindy.com

BERLIN CENTER

The new math curricula at Western Reserve Local Schools combines traditional elements with and digital components to ensure students are prepared for college and the job world.

“It’s collaborative learning, and it’s a shift from the traditional type of math instruction,” said Dallas Saunders, principal of Western Reserve’s Middle/High School.

At the middle/high school building, the district is implementing Carnegie Math, and the elementary school is piloting Everyday Math.

Teachers trained in the new programs this week, preparing for the school year which starts Sept. 6.

The new curricula, used by other districts in the Mahoning Valley, is a change from traditional instruction, said Saunders, who started Aug. 1 as the middle/high school principal.

He formerly served as middle/high school principal at Southern Local in Columbiana County.

“That style of learning is what’s best for kids,” Saunders said.

Rather than children’s learning adjusting to the way a teacher teaches, educators adjust to the way students learn, he said.

Both programs tailor to the pace and learning style for individual students. If, for example, a student grasps a concept quickly, he or she moves on. If he or she struggles, the programs provide remediation and further instruction.

The programs allow students to see how what they’re learning relates to life too, said Debbie Farelli, elementary principal.

“It connects learning to the real world,” she said.

Both Carnegie Math and Everyday Math include online components that can be used at home.

“It’s more interactive for the parents,” said Douglas McGlynn, who is beginning his first year as superintendent.

McGlynn served as middle/high school principal for three years, replacing Jeffrey Zatchock, who retired.

In the past, parents complained that they didn’t understand their children’s math homework, so they couldn’t help them at home.

The programs explain the problems, addressing those concerns, the superintendent said.

Both Carnegie and Everyday align with state math standards, he said.

It is an adjustment though, from the way teachers are accustomed to teaching.

“It’s a change for some,” McGlynn said. “It takes them out of their comfort zone.”

Teachers aren’t shying away from it, though, Farelli said. Administrators are there to support the teachers and help with the adjustment, she said.

McGlynn agreed.

“They’re all willing to learn,” he said.