As a longtime resident of Hinsdale, parent and committed supporter of District 86, I have been puzzled and appalled by the curriculum changes that have been hastily implemented in our district over the past two years. Families move to our community expecting their children to receive an excellent education. Sadly, the changes made to our science and math curriculum will put that excellence in jeopardy.
One size does not fit all when it comes to education and curriculum. The science and math departments at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South have a reputation of rigorous and robust offerings that prepare future doctors, engineers as well as those not planning a future in S.T.E.M. In the fall of 2020, the D86 BOE approved integrated math, a curriculum not implemented by any other Illinois public high school ranked in the Top 25. Integrated math also features de-tracking, or the elimination of G level courses. I believe this math curriculum change, along with offering only one pathway for science, will lead to less choices for our students, be harmful to those who want to pursue S.T.E.M. as a career when it comes to college acceptance and was not accepted by the feeder schools. We are still dealing with the repercussions of “Learning for All” experiment by D181. Going down this path again is reckless and irresponsible.
I am proud to support Peggy James and Jeff Waters for D86 BOE. They are committed to excellence for all our students.
Please vote for them both on April 6. — Mary Ryan Buddig, Hinsdale
