The Advisory Teaching Service Program & Observations about Math in Focus
For years I have utilized the Advisory Teaching Service (ATS) for many reasons. Principally, because my children have enjoyed and profited from the relationships they have cultivated with their ATS teachers. This year is no exception, and my second grader, Eoghan, has said almost every day that he cannot wait to find out who his ATS teacher is this year. A couple of days have ended with his saying, “Yes! One lesson closer to my ATS test; then I get to meet my teacher!”
We have enjoyed the start of second grade, and with it the opportunity to learn a new way of looking at mathematics. Eoghan has really embraced that process, and I see his manipulative math skills growing by the day.
Today he had a journal assignment. I wanted to share his enthusiasm for both the Advisory Teaching Service and the new Math in Focus program. His words say it best, so here they are:
Dear Journal:
I learned a new thing in second grade. Second grade is more funner than first grade. I am moving on to Test 20 in math and my normal school. I was so proud of myself that I got my first [math] test done and I can meet my new teacher soon. I was scared when I started to take the math test but when I finished it I knew I would get a 1 and I was very excited. I knew everything on the test! This math is more funner than last year’s math.
As a parent, I was a little concerned that the Singapore method would give us more time in practice of skills. I was concerned that I would hear the “oh no, not THIS again” whine. What I have heard instead is “Can we do math first today?” I am delighted.
And as for the Advisory Teaching Service? It is one of the best parts of a Calvert education. The cost for the mentoring it provides is minimal. Over the years, advisory teachers have become mentors, encouragers and exhorters of my children. They have gone above and beyond to make the advisory relationship memorable and special. We have valued the relationships that have been cultivated, and look forward to making new ones this year.