Discovery Math at Lone Peak

Why do we do this?
This seems to be a more applicable kind of math that students learn in traditional schools. It uses more story problems to make more real-life comparisons using mathematics. I've definitely thought on these lines as I've wondered to myself if the things I learned in my traditional math classes would ever be repeated in a future career. Students use the discovery in trial and method as they try to figure out more difficult math concepts.
So what?
Lone Peak High school has an AP calcus math class based on the trial method. The class has created a lot of uproard because a smaller amount of students at this high school are passing the AP calculus math test. What are they learning if they're not being prepared to take the most important math test of their high-school careers? Even a BYU professor mentioned that while the program meets State math standards, it's "too much play and not enough work." My research has shown that there are some supporters of the program in the ranks of the math teachers in Alpine School District, but the majority of people seem to be saying it's not doing enough for preparing kids for what they'll need to know for state exams.
Now what?
They'll have to do some comparing of the discovery math program and traditional math programs. I think it's nice that teachers and administration are looking for ways to boost the amount of people that think that math has no applicable purpose in the real world. It's important for teachers to make those connections and have students enjoy math.