School panel hears about reading, math programs

Third- and fifth-graders in the Brainerd School District have scored above the state average on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests for the past three years.

The Brainerd School Board's curriculum committee heard a report Wednesday on how the school's reading and mathematics programs are helping students succeed.

Pat Altrichter, elementary curriculum coordinator, said reading textbooks are aligned with the Minnesota graduation standards. The textbooks contain strategies and skills for reading, such as information on how students can check their own comprehension of what they read.

Gary Phillips, assistant superintendent, said the mathematics curriculum is more teacher- and parent-friendly and focuses more on basic skills.

Sixth- through 12th-graders are taught more integrated programs.

Phillips said the new mathematical program works better because it builds a base of knowledge with the students.

"When we went to school we just had an answer and knew how to do it," he said. "The students now are given a reason why it works."