(CAMPUS REFORM) – California educators are considering a new mathematics instruction framework that purposefully de-emphasizes calculus, though calculus is required or heavily encouraged for applicants to several of the nation’s top colleges and universities. The framework, which is still under consideration, proposes eliminating advanced math classes in middle school and eliminating a “push to calculus in grade twelve,” which it calls “misguided.”
The framework prioritizes equity and instructs teachers to “teach toward social justice.” It argues against beginning advanced math classes in middle school, saying, “Many students, parents, and teachers encourage acceleration in grade eight (or sooner in some cases) because of an incorrect conclusion that Calculus is an important high-school goal.”
This setup would “enable all students to engage in a common pathway in the first two years of high school,” thus eliminating advanced classes prior to junior year. Calculus could be a possible option in 11th or 12th grade, but there would be no path created intentionally to lead to calculus.
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