Battleground Schools

Susan Gerofsky enlightens the reader in her article in Battleground Schools about the curriculum changes throughout the years.


Key negative ideas society holds about mathematics that affected these changes:
-is inhuman-only appropriate and necessary for small elite(flip side means it's not appropriate nor necessary for the general public)
-those who like mathematics are weird, different and do not fit into society
-it is acceptible and not shameful to be incapable of doing and understanding mathematics.

Progressive Reform (1910-1940)
Goal: Meaningful mathematics curriculum for preparation of democractic, industrial society.
Chicago Movement wanted to unify algebra and geometery, and bring pure and applied math to the curriculum. Dewey wanted students to also do and experiement mathematics. Students would be more involved and active in the classroom.


The New Math (1960)
Goal: Train mathematical students to beat the Russians.
Mathematics became more abstract. Set theory, abstract algebra, linear algebra, calculus were taught in the public stystem. However, teachers and parents were not qualified to teach this material.


NCTM Standards (1990-now)
In the 1970's and 1980's, there was much standardized testing. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) developed their own set of standards. The changes emphasized problem-solving, ability to represent mathematical ideas in different forms, technology such as graphing calculators, and ability to communicate mathematical concepts. They also wanted to develop relational and instrumental skills and an appreciation of the power and beauty of mathematics.