Perspectives: Is Mathematics Education Racist?

Does the current state of mathematics education put students of color at a disadvantage? California's Department of Education thinks so. Others disagree.

California plans to reform its statewide Mathematics Framework in 2022 to emphasize learning opportunities "that focus primarily on equity in mathematics education," based on the view that the evolution of mathematics education "has resulted in dramatic inequalities for students of color, girls and students from low income homes." An open letter recently signed by several hundred scientists and mathematicians criticizes "unintended consequences of recent well-intentioned approaches to reform mathematics education," and argues that efforts similar to California's could leave students at an academic disadvantage. California school districts will be able to adopt as little or as much of the framework as they want.

Some coverage from left-rated sources highlights examples of equity-focused math programs leading to higher test scores for students of color. One Washington Post writer argues that white supremacy pervades mathematics through a prioritization of equations and formulas developed by white people over those discovered by the Chinese. Some writers for center- and right-rated outlets argue that the reforms will make math education less rigorous and shift focus to social justice issues, which will purportedly harm communities the reforms are meant to help by leading to more unequal academic outcomes for minorities.