The Importance of Taking Calculus in High School

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This chapter discusses the benefits of taking calculus in high school and the potential consequences of not doing so. It explores the challenges that arise when math department heads interpret the Common Core Standards differently and the decision-making process for students transitioning to university. The chapter also highlights the financial incentives for colleges and corporations to have students enroll in courses.

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Adrian Mims. He is the co-founder and CEO of the Calculus Project, which is a non-profit organization that aims to increase the number of Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and low-income students taking calculus, starting with support in middle school.

They discuss why he started The Calculus Project, the various components of the program, and its overall impact. They talk about what he calls “the quiet crisis,” in reference to declining math scores, and why it’s important to turn that around. They discuss the importance of offering math acceleration options for middle school students. They talk about the consequence of students finding themselves in a position where they must take remedial math in university. Moreover, Dr. Mims shares some valuable advice for policy makers on how to improve math outcomes for students who have historically been underrepresented in math. This episode will be of interest to teachers, school administrators, parents, policy makers and anyone with an interest in improving math outcomes.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-19-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-19-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Podington Bear – No squirell commotion, Proliferate

Blue Dot Sessions – Partly Sage, Cornicob, Gaena, Thannoid

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