Author Archives: Eric Nelson

About Eric Nelson

Eric (Rick) Nelson served 28 years with the Fairfax County Public Schools teaching math-intensive chemistry and physics. For over 10 years, he was an elected President of the Fairfax Co. Federation of Teachers/AFT/AFL-CIO. Currently Rick works with college educators to publicize cognitive research on how students learn in math, sciences, and engineering. He may be reached at [email protected]. For references on the science of learning cited in this commentary, visit https://bit.ly/3V7xCMc .

Welcome, Dr. Coons! Let’s Talk Math

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Eric Nelson

In K-12 education, can Virginia lead the nation?  If that’s the goal, in my view as a career educator, Dr. Lisa Coons is the best possible choice as our new state Superintendent. As Chief Academic Officer in Tennessee, the programs … Continue reading →

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Virginia’s Math SOLs: Science-Based — or Common Core?

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Eric Nelson

Parents depend on schools to prepare their children with the skills needed in the global economy. In Virginia public schools, K-12 instruction is governed the Standards of Learning (SOLs). Between 1995 and 2015, our math SOLs were based on “best … Continue reading →

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