Math Education News

education19 days ago•4 min saved

Berkeley Math Prof: Calculus Students Lag Behind, Forcing Fractions Lessons

UC Berkeley math professor Zvezdelina Stankova says the shift to test-blind admissions and pandemic-era policies left many calculus students underprepared, with diagnostic data showing readiness dropping from about 71% ready pre-2020 to 44% in 2021–23 and more than a third with severe math deficits; she claims instructors must teach fractions and basic algebra in place of calculus, noting some students are five to eight years behind. Berkeley has not reinstated SAT/ACT admissions requirements and won’t change its policy until fall 2028, unlike peers that have reinstated testing.

via New York Post|

#admissions #calculus #education

education3 years ago•7 min saved

"California's Equity-Focused Math Overhaul Targets Low Test Scores"

California's proposed overhaul of the math teaching guide, aimed at making the subject more accessible and equitable, has sparked debate over its potential impact on student achievement. The 1,000-page teaching framework, which emphasizes "equity" and de-emphasizes tracking, is expected to be approved by the state Board of Education. However, controversy surrounds the math requirements for admission to University of California and California State University campuses, particularly regarding the substitution of a data science class for Algebra II. The UC faculty committee initially approved this alternative but later reversed its decision, leading to protests. The UC Office of the President has now stated that data science courses will be accepted for advanced math requirements for fall 2024 applicants, pending a review. Critics argue that the proposed framework falls short and dilutes standards, while supporters believe it provides opportunities for students of all math levels and promotes a more modern approach to math education.

via Los Angeles Times|

#california #education #equity