An alarming look at what's wrong with math education in the United States, and what we can do to change it
The United States is rapidly falling behind the rest of the developed
world in terms of math education, and the future of our economy depends
on the quality of teaching that our children receive today. A recent
assessment of mathematics performance around the world ranked the U.S.
twenty-eighth out of forty countries in the study. When the level of
spending on education was taken into account, we sank to the very bottom
of the list. According to Jo Boaler, a professor of mathematics
education at Stanford University, statistics like these are all too
common--we have reached the point of crisis, and a new course of action
is crucial.
In this straightforward and inspiring book, Boaler outlines the nature
of the math crisis by following the progress of students in middle and
high schools over a number of years, observing which teaching methods
are exciting students and getting results. Based on her research, she
presents concrete solutions that will help reverse the trend, including
classroom approaches, essential strategies for students, advice for
parents on how to help children enjoy mathematics, and ways to work with
teachers in schools. What's Math Got To Do With It? is an indispensable
book for all parents and educators and anyone concerned about the
mathematical and scientific future of our society.
Dr Jo Boaler is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford
University. She is an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (Great
Britain), and a former president of the International Organization for
Women and Mathematics Education (IOWME). Prior to her time at Stanford
she was the Marie Curie Professor at The University of Sussex, England.
At Stanford University she was awarded an 'Early Career Award' from the
National Science Foundation in the United States. She is the author of
several books and a regular contributor to national television and radio
in the United States and the UK. Her latest book What’s Math Got To Do
With It?, is published by Penguin (2008) and aims to increase public
understanding of the importance of mathematics, and the nature of
effective teaching approaches. She has worked with members of the
British Government to bring effective research based approaches into
schools in England. Her work has appeared in newspapers across the
World, including The Wall Street Journal and The Times.
