I have to say that I have been teaching the 5th grade Investigation Program for many years. I agree that the program depends tremendously on the teacher. My students are so ready for any challenge. For most children, they love math and find the activities very appropriate for their grader. It is hard for parents to see a different approach in solving problems but many see that the children do very well later in Algebra and are very well prepared for those classes. I also work with teachers in lower grades. Those teachers who feel comfortable with the program will comment on how children have developed their number sense much more than in traditional approaches. Also the children can solve problems in many different ways. The key is for parents to really experience the learning process by attending workshops that have parents working on problems. Children really are learning and know how to handle many algebraic problems with comfort. Susan Weiss
