Algebra and Rigor in the Curriculum

I couldn’t wait a week to post on the fascinating debate around math curriculum in California. Currently, state-wide at least (see how one small community is fighting the math fight), the forces have coalesced around mandating 8th grade Algebra. And, as Dan Walters points out in today’s Bee, “Algebra row symbolizes wider issue,” issues such as “Who is in charge of educating the kids?” and, then, “How should we run public education?” are the real questions that lurk behind the Algebra question. (See what the public is blogging in the LA Times' "Homeroom" blog.)

In attempting to answer the first question, he interestingly did not mention the parents. (This mistake is pointed out by the many commentators to his article on the Bee website.) I think it is just an oversight by Mr. Walters, although he just might be taking sides, obliquely, in the home-school debate currently in the courts.

As to the question of “curriculum” rigor—and its joined-at-the-hip partner, “instruction”—which are often confused for one another in the public debate, the issue is interestingly being played out today in the Algebra debate with articles from Sacramento and San Diego, and then juxtapose these discussions with the mindset of the Orange County folks who are angry about the Advanced Placement results being impacted by cheating.

As you consider all of this, be sure and listen to a “Perspective” from KQED-FM (7/10/08) on a tough (and often-faced) choice confronted by a Washington High (S.F.) English teacher. All of this gives the reader interested in some of the issues faced by those on the front line of the "rigor" debate in California.

All in all it makes for a fine way to ease the way into a summer weekend. Enjoy!