AMAC Exclusive
Finally, some good news.
After months of debate, the California Board of Education recently announced that it would not implement proposed new “woke” math standards—for now. But just what was this new proposed math going to teach students? Among other things, teachers were to be advised that telling students that they are incorrect is a form of “white supremacy,” that math should be a tool for “social justice,” and that the very idea that math equations have a right and wrong answer is “unequivocally false.”
But it didn’t stop there. The introduction to the proposed math framework also had something to say about the environment. It called on teachers to “be mindful of other considerations that are a high priority for California’s education system including the Environmental Principles and Concepts which allow students to examine issues of environmental and social justice.” In other words, California teachers should use math class teach kids why the Green New Deal is a good idea.
Most troubling of all, however, was the inclusion of the Marxist concept of “equity” in the math framework. “A fundamental aim of this framework is to respond [to] issues of inequity in mathematics learning; equity influences all aspects of this document.” Not some, not most, but all of the math framework. The education bureaucrats who drafted the framework clearly intended that every aspect of a child’s math education would be aimed toward brainwashing students with Marxist ideology.
The framework went so far as to urge that teaching mathematics be used “to counter the cultural forces that have led to and continue to perpetuate current inequities.” “Students’ cultural backgrounds, experiences, and language are resources for learning mathematics,” it says. What evidence does it provide? None. It simply asserts that things that have nothing to do with math are helpful resources for learning math.
The framework also declares that “schooling practices that lead to such race and gender-based disparities can lead to legal liabilities for districts and schools.” What does this mean? In practice, such a standard of disparate impact means that if various racial groups and boys and girls aren’t equally proficient in math, then this is an injustice for which schools could be – and perhaps should be – legally punished. It takes no accounting for whether a certain subject appeals more to boys and girls, or whether families with certain cultural backgrounds emphasize the importance of education more than others, nor does it consider any number of other non-race related factors that contribute to disparate student performance. All performance differences are levelled in the name of an abstract ideology of “equity” that has no relation to the real world.
The outcome of this radical ideology is predictable: it would give educational bureaucrats immense power. In the name of “equity”, it would remove advanced math instruction for the most talented students. Indeed, the framework states, “All students deserve powerful mathematics.” What are “powerful” mathematics? The next statement perhaps clarifies: “we reject ideas of natural gifts and talents. The belief that ‘I treat everyone the same’ is insufficient.” Thus, those students who excel in math class – whether by hard work or natural predisposition to math — will be refused higher level math instruction, all in the name of equity.
The framework is in fact entirely constructed around the idea that there are no differences between people’s ability, desire, or effort to learn math. This contradicts numerous studies about student aptitude, as well as common sense. Some people are better at certain things than others, in every area of life—including mathematics. But for most leftists, the idea of individuality and personal achievement is now simply unpalatable.
The few reasonable education experts left have piled on in opposition to California’s proposed framework. Dr. Williamson M. Evers, a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, warned in an open letter that “California is on the verge of politicizing K-12 math in a potentially disastrous way. This postponement means the State Board of Education has heard the message loud and clear. STEM leaders don’t want California students left behind by introducing politics into the math curriculum.”
The letter also pointed out that the framework explicitly rejects the idea that mathematics is a “neutral” discipline and said that its encouragement for teachers to take a “justice-oriented perspective at any grade level, K-12,” would “de-mathemize math.” Further, Evers argues that the framework focuses on “contributions that historically marginalized people have made to mathematics,” which has nothing to do with teaching math and would be more appropriate in a history class, and abandons longstanding standards that have made America competitive with other foreign nations in mathematics.
In short, the framework is a complete and total disaster, which has been avoided for now. But if the current proliferation of Marxist concepts like “equity” and “Critical Race Theory” in history and social studies classes is any indication, this won’t be the last you hear of the leftist assault on math class.
Goodness. When it comes to calculating my banking and bills there is a right and wrong answer what is in my checking account
The insidious infestation of marxism is everywhere! It can only be eliminated with extreme resistance – the kind during all out warfare because this is what they have declared upon us!!
the KEY is …. FOR NOW?
Just when will the shoe drop?????
When will the “sleeping dog” be kicked enough?
Will That Dog have the TEETH to deal with this?
There is a storm brewing…..
So, now we’ve gone full circle from; readin’, ritin’, ‘rithmatic, the three “r’s”…Fortunately, this school age generation has computers, smart phones, etc…so they can go through life being brain dead…
“We reject ideas of natural gifts and talents”, Math should be a tool which allows “students to examine issues of environmental and social justice.” Telling students that they’re incorrect is “white supremacy” and the idea that mathematical equations have a right and a wrong answer is “unequivocally false”.
Also, “You’ll own nothing and you’ll be happy” (UN theme for the 2030 plan, The Great Reset, Global economy).
The time to stand for freedom is NOW. George Orwell’s 1984 is our reality NOW. It’s no longer fiction. They have stolen our country from us while we slept, and now we must wake up, and take it back.
This entire ‘woke’ crap has GOT TO GO!
There are facts that must be learned. Math does not cross lines of culture or race. Math is fact and to function in any part of this world you must know it. Those that master it have more opportunity than those who do not will see a limited range of opportunity. Knowledge is a proven path forward for all.
More demorat bullshit than I could ever dream of!
I’m guessing that the individual proposing the California math must not have done well in mathematics at school. It reminds me of what happened with competitive sports.
This “Woke Math” Agenda is TRASH!!! How much a child learns depends on the teacher, the child’s ability to learn, attendance, and many other facts. Absolutely nothing to do with race or color. This needs to be put in the trash along with those proposing it………..
Thank goodness this was stopped in math for now. There is really no place in America for any of this.
After a bout of uncontrolled laughter I soberly realized we’ve reached a new low in the dumbing down of the curriculum.
We will have to instruct the math professors of America that the symbols will have to go. They represent “inequalities” and we can’t have that.
I do kind of like the notion of telling my bank that my overdrawn account is just a matter of opinion.
One more nail in the coffin of our republic?
Among other things, teachers were to be advised that telling students that they are incorrect is a form of “white supremacy,” that math should be a tool for “social justice,” and that the very idea that math equations have a right and wrong answer is “unequivocally false.” “Okay then Administrator, we are taking you off salary and paying you hourly, your wages will be $500/ hr, okay?” “Btw, your checks will reflect your math policies, as such, your check, for 40 hours, will be $325.”. Now don’t go being a “Supremacist” and complain. Have a nice day.”.
There are many variations in education to be considered, and one is language, especially with the influx of immigrants. Many are slowed in knowledge by language barriers or altered environmental backgrounds, especially in California. In the East have placed them in small groups for extra attention, to meet their needs. They all need to learn basic, math facts, which is harder for some then others. We had the gifted students assist the child, who had difficulty for whatever reason. We’re gifted in different ways. We all excel differently according to our purpose, and self discipline in varying abilities. We aren’t going to turn out cookie cutter children, because they want them all taught the same. We’ve allowed our students of all races and backgrounds to choose their school with emphasis on different subjects, whether a Math Magnet School or History, etc.
So, 1+1 no longer equals 2? Is the term “hypotenuse” now some type of insult? I’m forever grateful that I’m a (closet conservative) retired teacher!
Defeated for ‘now’…. we must not allow this villainous agenda to rear its ugly head again. It would be such an awful injustice to all students, no matter the shade of their skin color, which does NOT ACTUALLY matter to these politicians AT ALL. And people ….. make no mistake about it, this IS NOT about “racism” or any other word/phrase the left chooses to use to “divide” We, the People. This is about the “governing elitists” insuring that they remain the only ones WHO WILL ALWAYS hold “their positions of power” over us … Essentially establishing a 2 class society which would insure they REMAIN in power over EVERYONE ELSE, without regard to race, creed, color or religion …. or ANYTHING else.
If you support this anti-American bunch of outlaws, you are volunteering yourself and your loved ones for a lifetime as a lower class person and will be relegated to life as a servant slave.
You’d best “think” about it !!!
WOW! You have got to be kidding me. is there no end to this nonsense?
Wow! If the correct answer didn’t matter, there would never have been airplanes flying, or astronauts on the moon, or even building construction! Imagine being off by a fraction of an inch, the whole project would fail. It’s utterly mindless!!
What children need are good strong moral families. Mom’s and Dad’s that care enough to set rules and boundaries. Who make doing homework and getting to bed early priorities. If you want “equity” then provide stability in the home. Children whose parents are drunk or drugged out all the time do not provide a stable environment. Children need love and understanding, and rules. Trying to dumb down the subjects taught in school so that everyone gets an A, is doing a terrible disservice to the young people of America!!
Fight back parents. Bullies back down when an angry parent comes to a meeting!!
The world has gone mad! I hardly recognize the country I proudly served as a young man.
If MATH causes inequities, then score keeping in sports does also! Likewise, salaries.
Lebron should earn the same as Charley Benchwarmer, Holyfield should be treated the same as Joe Palooka, etc. etc. Look at all the money saved because umpires and referees would no longer be needed to solve problems. While we’re at it, box seats, ring-side seats, air-conditioned super boxes, and sun-drenched bleachers should all be treated the same…FREE!! No inequities… Next, take the MATH out of the grocery stores… Bread & butter, Ham & Eggs, Steak & Potatoes, Fish & Chips should all cost the same… obviously whichever lever you pull in your voting booth… the tally is always recorded in favor of the RULING PARTY because FACTS are just someone’s opinion.
Oh,yes, it will be when all Americans stand up for our Constitutional laws, judgment and purpose, always.
This started long ago with the introduction of the “New Math” in the early sixties. This dumbing down of education has been a slow and “progressive” effort for decades. The end result is a nation of morons who can’t read, write, calculate or think, yet they will be “equal”. Yes, equally stupid.
I was fortunate to be proficient in math and qualified for an accelerated math program in high school and advanced math studies in college. Those contributed much to my graduating with an Electrical Engineering degree which afforded me a 40+ years career in engineering. I would hate for ANY student with a potential for mathematics to be denied that opportunity!!
The teachers union should be broken. States and parents should say what children should learn, not some faceless school board-teacher union. Math is a subject-period; not a stage for indoctrination. As a nation, our students are deficient in math as it is, we need to focus on THAT.
Oh for the love of God! What are people thinking! Idiots the lot of them!!
The U.S. under this administration and under the Democrat leadership is going nuts. They are all wackos.
This is why I got my family out of that state. Parents please please look at and be vigilant in what the schools are teaching your kids. Stand up to the board and let them know you’re watching. better still find a charter school if they still exist there and get them out of public education…. (sorry public indoctrination of our kids). Got to fight this Marxist ideology crap or they will get away with it and you won’t have any say in how your kids are educated.
As if current contradictions weren’t bad enough, turn the methodical characteristics of math into the confusion of “any answer is OK,” and “we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by correcting them.
New math is a big mistake. Many school districts accepted extra money to experiment. The result was more students who were convinced they could not do math. I hope the experiment is over.
One thing for sure, I won’t use any products these people Design. “There are no right or wrong answer’s in math”. This idea would be the end of caveman, let alone today’s technology.
This whole concept is evil, unAmerican, socialist, robber of American and human Rights! I am an American faithful to THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and I will fight to the death to keep our principles and values alive and well in our country. Plus, the concept is not only EVIL, it is STUPID and RIDICULOUS.
I remember when my oldest daughter was in high school and her ma
As a retired educator, I am not quite sure where to begin here! This is sheer madness to suggest that current mathematics instruction in our schools is racist and needs to become more “woke”. But to be completely honest, I am NOT totally surprised, as I recently read about some woke college professors insisting that the teaching of grammar in university English courses is racist. Both suggestions are ludicrous and should be tossed immediately before our educational system goes belly up. This insanity is out of control. Keep politics OUT OF OUR CLASSROOMS! Let teachers teach the curriculum for which they have been trained.
When my oldest daughter was in high school, her math teacher showed me one of her tests, and when I remarked about some of her answers being wrong, he said that she had the right work done so she was right. I remarked to him that I never wanted to get on a plane she designed. He had no answer for that.
Well, be at ease folks– this is Cal-E-Forn-E-Cate as USUAL. NOTHING NEW HERE!!
Whoever is pushing this type of math wants to ensure we won’t have any scientists nor researchers for the future. Glad to read that the parents in even the liberal California found this to be too much to stomach.
Is woke math the same as common core was, or different?
“WOKE” associated with anything is about as sure a way of reaching a conclusion that there is something woefully wrong with it !!!!!
WOKE math. OMG what will the woke democrats destroy next???
Who else thinks it Is HILARIOUS that the people that claim to embrace SCIENCE reject MATH as racist? Just because it might be difficult doesn’t mean it is against you fundamentally…WORK HARDER!
You all see what these evil Marxists are doing to our(YOUR) kids? While we laugh at it, shrug it off, ignore it, or just whine about it, these nefarious scumbags are busy-busily working as fast as they can, focused on flipping everything we love about this Country upside-down! We are witnessing a “transition” period that if not stopped soon will render this land of ours into just another $hithole 3rd world land of NO opportunity(think Cuba, Venezuela). Today’s young kids will not even know what was lost. I want these low-lifes to burn in hell.
Math is solid, and REAL. One inch is one inch, and nothing else. Equations MEAN something. Math DEFINES the real world, whether insane Commies like it or not.
Time to get your kids away from these LUNATICS!
Parents… find a person in your community to home school kids. Get them out of public indoctrination centers.
Ephesians 6:17 (ESV) reminds us to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
How can it be white supremacy if it was a black teacher telling a white student they were wrong? This whole woke theory is total bullshit.
If Marxists hate individuality so much then perhaps one day we’ll be rid of the likes of Lebron James and Colin Kaepernick since they’re sports “stars.”
Probably for all students. Kids who can’t think critically can be more easily led by the nose.
Gotta keep your “useful idiots” stupid if they are going to remain useful, I guess.
Reply to Becky and others about California. Yes, we have more than our fair share of idiots who live here, as you have in every state today, unfortunately. But there are still decent, God fearing Christians who stand up for right and teach our children to also be good people. If we all moved out, who would be left here to pray for our state and government, and to fight against such things as this? Many of you seem to have forgotten that God is in control, not Marxists. I will obey Him in everything and trust Him. I’m 77 years old and it’s worked for me all my life. And, much as I would love to run away, I’ll stay here in California and be the salt and light the Lord has called me to be.
It’s time to start killing commies again. You folks trying to have conversations with these people are trying to pet rabid dogs without being bitten. You’re lying to yourselves if you believe you can talk sensibly to these people. It should never have come to this and it’s a sad state of affairs for this to happen in a nation as great as this, but the time to talk is over.
If woke math can be used to promote equity, then please explain why Nancy Pelosi’s multi-million $ net worth is equitable to all her constituents. She obviously took advantage of racist math knowledge to unfairly accumulate all that money! Using woke logic, her inequitable net worth screams racism and her entire estate should be redistributed. Its time for the woke mob to get on a bus and go picket her estate/winery, that is assuming of course, that they can figure out how many of those shiny things in their pocket adds up the correct bus fare.