Controversy Surrounding Data Science Courses

23min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

This chapter delves into the controversy surrounding the approval of data science courses as advanced math and the implications for students. It discusses the difficulties of catching up in STEM fields without a strong foundation in algebra and the possibility of reversing the approval of these courses. The chapter also explores the faculty's control over admissions requirements in the UC system.

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