Controversy Surrounding Accelerated Math Classes in California Schools

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This chapter discusses the controversy surrounding the banning of algebra in eighth grade in San Francisco public schools. It explores the claim that the ban was successful in reducing the failure rate in algebra but argues that the data may have been misrepresented. The chapter also highlights the issues of parents pushing for acceleration, the use of accelerated classes for scheduling purposes, and the lack of improvement in outcomes for minority students.

This is the second episode of a two-part series featuring Dr. Jelani Nelson. He is a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley. Dr. Nelson, and other STEM leaders, have publicly raised concerns about the proposed California Math Framework (CMF).

In this episode, Anna Stokke and Jelani Nelson discuss whether students should have the option of accelerating in math in middle school. First, Jelani describes how he founded the non-profit AddisCoder. Jelani shares his thoughts on acceleration and discusses the impact of acceleration reforms in San Francisco. They also discuss the makeup of the CMF writing team, citation misrepresentation in the CMF, among other topics.

For better or worse, California tends to lead the way when it comes to changes in education, so this episode is an important listen!

The next episode of Chalk & Talk will be published on July 28.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-12-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-11-12-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Podington Bear – Sunset Strolle, Kitten, Lake Victoria, Coulis Coulis

Blue Dot Sessions – Tall Harvey

Website: www.annastokke.com

Twitter: @rastokke