Faster Isn't Easier

I read your post with interest, Marcia, and can relate to your frustration. I believe two barriers to students better understanding of mathematical concepts and teachers teaching in a way that foster that deeper understanding for students are the standardized tests and the textbook. We all know the pressure teachers are under to have students perform well on the standardized tests and some teachers don't trust that students will be able to perform as well or better on standardized tests using an inquiry based program. So, some teachers feel they must go page by page in the text book and if there is time, they will bring in CGI. However, I must say that since SDC I have seen some changes taking place. Those teachers brave enough to jump into the inquiry-base approach are finding that their students are more motivated to do mathematics and are learning to enjoy tackling and solveing complex problems. I believe that is due to the hard work of the SDC team! Yes, change is slow and intrinsic change is even slower, but you are making progress and SD students are the winners!