A great oak tree lies at the front of the campus. When a sidewalk was commissioned for Gunn, the tree was in the way. Instead of cutting down the tree, however, the builders constructed a roundabout route. Even though the sidewalk was lengthened and no longer perfectly straight, the tree was saved. Today, the majestic oak tree not only provides shade and much needed greenery, it is also a central part of Gunn’s identity.

Like the oak tree, the Analysis class has become an integral part of what makes Gunn unique. It is a challenge, but it exposes students to a variety of math subjects, to a world beyond grades and memorization. With the support of two helpful teachers, most curious students succeed in this class. It is truly a unique experience that should be saved.

The trouble began when math Instructional Supervisor Jeanne Beck was asked to re-examine the textbook. For Analysis, the original concern was over the instruction of a few topics, a problem that could’ve easily been remedied by communicating with the current Analysis teachers, Peter Herreshoff and Dianne Gleason. However, the debate has gotten political and philosophical, and drastic changes have been planned. The proposed replacement textbooks are not bad—they’re shiny, new and have been peer-reviewed, but the current series of pamphlets is invaluable. Through years of fine-tuning, generations of Analysis teachers created the current curriculum, which challenges students with in-depth explorations.

But it is not just a good curriculum that is being squandered. In order to let other teachers teach Analysis, Herreshoff and Gleason will likely not be teaching it next year. Wasting their talents is not just logically inept, but criminal. Not only did students benefit from their familiarity with the subject, but they provided an education filled with passion and discovery. While other teachers can also provide this quality of education, teachers aren’t just commodities exchanged at will. They have histories and emotions too, and for the current Analysis teachers, they also have expertise. When teachers are already providing a memorable education, it is ridiculous to shake things for the sake of change.

Although the current proposal calls for Herreshoff to teach a math elective comprising of more difficult Analysis concepts, this plan is short-sighted. Many students who take Analysis are not math geniuses, but are industrious and curious. Through the class, they get exposed to a wide array of math concepts not found elsewhere. Taking the more difficult concepts of Analysis and placing them in an elective will narrow the breadth of students exposed to such invaluable material.

Perhaps the greatest loss from the suggested changes is an experience that is uniquely Gunn. There is no denying that the class is a challenge, but it is exactly this challenge that helps students grasp their full potentials. And as difficult as the class is, the teachers go out of their ways to help students succeed. Detractors point out that the class covers material beyond the state-prescribed standards. But when has Gunn ever striven to just meet state standards? Should the purpose of this honors course be just a stepping stone to college, or should it be a class that stimulates each student’s intellect to the full potential?

Playing the dual role of educators and administrators, Beck, Principal Noreen Likins and the Palo Alto school board members must respond to complaints by students and parents. For each complaint, however, there are many unheard compliments for the class. I recently surveyed many former Analysis students on their take on the class. While most acknowledged that the class was difficult, a good majority also noted that the experience was valuable. As parents can attest getting exposed to such advanced topics is beneficial in the long run.

In this highly educated community, its educators should strive to give student the most rewarding and intellectually stimulating experience possible. It is too easy for a few negative responses to spoil a beautiful educational opportunity.

So ahead lies an oak tree. It can be chopped down and replaced, or we can work around it and enjoy this gift for a long time ahead. Contact a school board member, Beck or Likins to voice your opinion.

Be Heard
Share your opinion with the decision-makers:

Jeanne Beck: jbeck@pausd.org
Noreen Likins: nlikins@pausd.org
Mandy Lowell, school board president: mlowell@pausd.org