“There are positive times ahead of us in mathematics,” Terry Parker, Enumclaw School District director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, told the Enumclaw School Board at its regular meeting April 20.

Parker presented the board with the K-12 Math Curriculum Adoption Committee’s recommendations for middle and high school textbooks and curriculum. The team included 22 members, representing all grade levels, included teachers and parents Jody Horn, Lisa Hechter and Tina Flintoff. The group began the research and review process in December.

Parker called the work of the team thorough and thoughtful.

The committee is recommending Holt Mathematics at both the middle and high school levels. The decision, Parker said, will provide continuity from sixth through 12th grade. The middle school curriculum would include Course 1 for sixth-grade students, Course 2 for seventh-grade students and Algebra 1 for eight-grade students.

At the high school, Holt Mathematics would center on Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2.

Parker said the program selected is the highest ranked by the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s office and aligns with state standards, provides technological support and on-line video tutoring.

“We just felt confident in Holt,” Horn said, referring to the team’s time spent researching all the options. From a parent’s point of view, she said, Holt provided good communication to help students at home with their work.

Flintoff said the Holt offering is user-friendly for kids, and teachers should be able to cover and meet all standards requirements without supplements.

Parker expected to return to the board with its elementary school recommendations soon. He said the group has narrowed the field to two programs.

Hechter who was more focused on the elementary portion of the program said parents can expect the new selection to be head and shoulders above the current math curriculum in its communication.

In addition, the committee will make recommendations for high school precalulus and calculus.

The textbooks are on display for public review in the district office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until May 15.

The board is expected to adopt the recommendations at its May 18 meeting.

Once approved, Parker said, the work starts to prepare for 2009 September launch.