Seattle schools challenged over math instruction

SEATTLE (AP) — A lawsuit challenging the Seattle School District’s math curriculum went to trial Monday in King County Superior Court.

A group of parents and teachers say the “Discovering Math” series adopted last year does a poor job, especially with minority students who are seeing an achievement gap widen.

A spokeswoman for the Seattle School District, Teresa Wippel, says it has no comment on pending litigation.

KOMO-TV reports the district has already spent $1.2 million on Discovering Math books and teacher training.

University of Washington Atmospheric Sciences Professor Cliff Mass calls it a “dumbed down” approach. He told KIRO Radio the district knew the curriculum was flawed.

Judge Julie Spector is expected to rule by Feb. 12.

(with information from KOMO-TV, KIRO Radio, KIRO-TV)