Community members who joined the first discussion with Dr. Parker on October 16th got a firsthand taste of "new math." During the discussion, Dr. Parker asked the more than 500 person audience to solve several addition and subtraction problems. As people volunteered answers, it became clear to the audience that there are many ways to solve even basic problems-and some of those ways provide better preparation for algebra than the traditional methods of standard arithmetic. A common response from parents in the event follow-up survey was, "If Only I'd Learned Math That Way!"

Please join Alliance for Education and our co-sponsors, MESA, Seattle Council PTSA, University of Washington College of Education, and Seattle Public Schools, for the next community math night, this time focused on the instruction of multiplication. This is an interactive, hands-on event where adults will solve real math problems.

A broadcast journalism class from West Seattle High School filmed the fair and is producing an Environmental Portal DVD for students to view who were not able to attend.

With the support of grants from The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and the Russell Family Foundation, the Alliance helps connect Seattle Public Schools students and teachers with environment-focused businesses and organizations through events like the Portal Fair.