Investigations Math

Investigations Math requires that children reason mathematically, develop problem-solving strategies, and represent their thinking using models, diagrams and graphs (according to the curriculum). After Alpine School District implemented Investigations, several parents became very upset. Many removed their children from schools and put them charter schools. However, I did talk to the principal of one school in Alpine School District who said that their school's test scores continue to go up every year that they use Investigations.

Arguments FOR Investigations:
It causes children to think and prove what they are thinking. If they know that 10+8=18, they have to be able to draw a graph, number line, or some other model PROVING how they know that. Those who believe Investigations are beneficial also believe that students can break down big problems into smaller problems that will be simpler for them to figure out.

Arguments AGAINST Investigations:
Those who do not like Investigations argue that it does not teach students the basic facts of math. I read several parent comments about how their children who have learned through Investigations do not know multiplication facts as well as those who learned them the "old-fashioned" way. Also, many parents did not grow up using Investigations, so it is very difficult for them to have to constantly prove why an answer is what it is.