I'm on Spring Break. Lots of time on my hands. Couldn't help myself but compose another letter:
Dear Ms. ___________
I had the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Elia in White Plains last week. When I raised my question about the math testing timeline I've emailed you about, she expressed interested in further details.
Ms. Elia admitted she was unfamiliar with the "Shifts in Instructional Focus" document published with the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, and also printed in all NY State Administration manuals. She engaged me in a dialog regarding my specific concerns and asked for my copy of the "Shifts" document from which I was referring.
I was wondering if the Commissioner may have spoken with you or your colleagues about this subject. Specifically, I'm referring to the challenge of teaching for deep mathematical understanding rather than teaching tricks and short cuts, and checking for understanding before moving on to new concepts. With the current amount of curriculum expected to be taught in time for April tests, all that's possible much of the time is "covering" topics so students have at least some familiarity with all the content they may encounter on the tests. I know the Commissioner is committed to righting past wrongs and responding to the concerns she heard while on her listening tour. She sounded genuinely interested in teachers, students, and parents finding a new level of trust in the State Ed Dept.
I believe the Commissioner when she shared her commitment. My concern is real, and it prevents students from successfully finding deep understanding of mathematical concepts without specific redress.
I look forward to continuing this conversation with you, a colleague of yours, or the Commissioner herself.
Thank you for your time and consideration in reading my email, once again.
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