Posted on 11/06/2021 6:49:09 AM PDT by devane617
California Tries to Close the Gap in Math, but Sets Off a Backlash Proposed guidelines in the state would de-emphasize calculus, reject the idea that some children are naturally gifted and build a connection to social justice. Critics say math shouldn’t be political.
But ever since a draft was opened for public comment in February, the recommendations have set off a fierce debate over not only how to teach math, but also how to solve a problem more intractable than Fermat’s last theorem: closing the racial and socioeconomic disparities in achievement that persist at every level of math education.
The California guidelines, which are not binding, could overhaul the way many school districts approach math instruction. The draft rejected the idea of naturally gifted children, recommended against shifting certain students into accelerated courses in middle school and tried to promote high-level math courses that could serve as alternatives to calculus, like data science or statistics.
The draft also suggested that math should not be colorblind and that teachers could use lessons to explore social justice — for example, by looking out for gender stereotypes in word problems, or applying math concepts to topics like immigration or inequality.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
The soft bigotry of low expectations....
The soft bigotry of low expectations....
Jaquantia hooked all Thursday night. She gave 12 men skulljobs for $13.54 each, laid down 2 others at $56.12, and robbed a crackhead of $112.39. She spend $200 at her crack dealer. How much did she end up with?
Jaquantia hooked all Thursday night. She gave 12 men skulljobs for $13.54 each, laid down 2 others at $56.12, and robbed a crackhead of $112.39. She spend $200 at her crack dealer. How much did she end up with?
Jaquantia hooked all Thursday night. She gave 12 men skulljobs for $13.54 each, laid down 2 others at $56.12, and robbed a crackhead of $112.39. She spend $200 at her crack dealer. How much did she end up with?
> would de-emphasize calculus <
Good idea. Unless a person is going into engineering or physics, calculus really isn’t needed. I’d instead emphasize algebra, as it provides training in logical thinking if nothing else.
> reject the idea that some children are naturally gifted <
Horrible idea. If a school can offer varsity sports, it should also offer varsity (honors) academics.
“Jaquantia hooked all Thursday night. She gave 12 men skulljobs for $13.54 each, laid down 2 others at $56.12, and robbed a crackhead of $112.39. She spend $200 at her crack dealer. How much did she end up with? “
a laz classic
Lots of reasons why some students excel in math, including natural ability, family support and willingness of the students to do the work. The only rational approach to the issue is to reward achievement regardless of the demographic irrelevancies.
Words can't express.....
The answer is $187.11.
There are gifted children. Youtube is full of them. Blackpe redpen gets emails from them all the time as well as the other math teachers on youtube.
There are gifted children. Youtube is full of them. Blackpe redpen gets emails from them all the time as well as the other math teachers on youtube.
Bill Clinton had “No Child Left Behind”.
Joe Biden and Gavin Newsome have “No Child Gets Ahead”.
Grading is racist. Achievement is racist. Merit is racist. Civilization is racist.
To those who don’t think there is a connection to math skill and civilization, just examine the areas of the world and how they compare to construction of bridges, cities, highways. Note that in the advanced areas wherein math is (or was) essential part of education, they have cities made of steel, glass, cement and go upward. Bridges made of steel designed to be strong and some artistically pleasant and highways that endure travel by many thousands of vehicles per hour some baring heavy loads. Meanwhile in the less math infused cultures what does one find: Bridges made of hemp, cities made of
one story concrete blocks or reeds, and highways that are used by animals as game trails.
Some people can do math, some can bounce a ball. Others can freestyle rap.
Social justice always means taking from competent hard workers and giving to the slovenly.
Eventually, when all these attempts fail to produce the desired outcome, they will try to modify genes directly in an effort to create “equal” people.
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