Data Science Courses as Alternatives to Algebra Two in High Schools

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This chapter discusses the impact of data science courses in high schools and their promotion as alternatives to algebra two. The speakers highlight the importance of understanding the cumulative nature of math and the potential difficulties students may face in university if they fall behind in high school. They also examine claims that data science courses can address equity issues by addressing the high failure rates of minority students in algebra two.

This is the first 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, much of the discussion surrounds the CMF’s promotion of data science and changes to math requirements in the University of California system.

Anna Stokke and Jelani Nelson discuss what sort of math is needed for a data science degree and the crucial role of Algebra II in preparing students for careers in STEM. Jelani explains the circumstances surrounding the emergence of two high school data science courses that have been marketed as substitutes for Algebra II, despite containing minimal math content. He also addresses the claim that the CMF is equity-based. They wrap up the episode by discussing what happened when he retweeted a post about a prominent math educator charging a school district $5000 an hour in consulting fees.

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

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-11-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

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

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media - Catch it

Purple Planet Music - Bright ideas

MusicTown - Inquisitive Orchestra

Yevhen Onoychenko - Comedy Detective

Blue Dot Sessions - Cases to Rest

Podington Bear - Coulis Coulis, Squirrel Commotion