Raven Math co-publisher Alan Taylor dropped by Western Campus Resources in January to talk briefly about the new BC curriculum and how Raven Math is meeting the challenge.
WCR: What does the new BC curriculum expect in terms of Aboriginal content?
Alan Taylor: Aboriginal applications are intended for each of the new math courses. For example, under Curricular Competencies, the outline for each of the math courses states, “Incorporate First Nations World Views and Perspectives to Mathematical Concepts.”
WCR: How has Raven met this objective?
AT: As you are aware, for Grades 4 to 9, which were published in Spring 2016, Raven Math includes a unit (chapter) on Aboriginal Applications to act as a review at the end of each book. In our new books for Grades 10 to 12, which Raven Math will publish in Spring 2018, we will have a section on Aboriginal Applications at the end of each unit (Chapter) within them.
WCR: Could you tell us which courses Raven Math intends to publish books for.
AT: Raven Math will have one book for the three senior grades (Foundations and Pre Calculus 10, Pre Calculus 11 and Pre Calculus 12). These will likely be the major courses for these grade levels. Raven Math isn’t planning books for the other draft courses (Workplace Math 10, Foundations 11, Workplace 11, Statistics 12, Foundations 12, Calculus 12 and Apprenticeship 12).
WCR: Are you enjoying your retirement?
AT: What retirement? I was as surprised as anyone by the new BC curriculum. The one-year reprieve for 10 to 12 gives me some extra time to spend with my grandkids.
Raven Math co-publisher and author Alan Taylor spent a lifetime teaching and evaluating. He has incorporated classroom feedback and empirical observation into Raven Math.
Raven Math makes learning easier:
• Explains new concepts and problem-solving strategies using clear and concise language
• Provides plenty of practice questions and answers, giving students immediate feedback on how well they’re learning
• Popular with self-study students
• Home schoolers
• On-line students
• Struggling students
• Typical students
• Other independent learners
