Why Algebra II? – Podcast Episode 133

Classnotes Podcast (January 30, 2014) Following a trend over the last decade or so of pushing for higher math education among high school students, some areas are getting push back. With veiled arguments about students needing “choices” and not being “college material,” curriculum requirements are being weakened. Most visible is Texas where the State Board of Education has voted to remove Algebra II as a required course.

Math educator, Paula Martin Johnson, M.A., talks about why Algebra II is critical for all students and, particularly, for low-income and minority students who will undoubtedly suffer the consequences of being sidelined into watered-down, non-college prep courses. Paula is interviewed by Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed., IDRA senior education associate.

Show length: 14:57

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Resources

“Tracking, Endorsements and Differentiated Diplomas – When ‘Different’ Really is Less”

http://createsend.com/t/r-2BBFDD9606A21BA72540EF23F30FEDED

The Texas Latino Education Coalition Supports Inclusion of Algebra II in All Endorsement Tracks

http://www.idra.org/images/stories/TexasLatinoEducationCoalition_Statement_Nov2013.pdf

The Algebra Project

http://www.algebra.org/

Trend-Starting Texas Drops Algebra II Mandate

http://www.nwherald.com/2014/01/25/trend-starting-texas-drops-algebra-ii-mandate/a5l151p/?page=1

Texas education board approves compromise on Algebra II requirement

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/headlines/20131121-state-education-board-approves-compromise-on-math-requirement.ece

When Are We Ever Gonna Have to Use Algebra II? Sooner Than You Think

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-rosen/when-are-we-ever-gonna-ha_b_3253473.html

MathTV – free bilingual website for Algebra II students

http://www.mathtv.com/

Math Planet – free website for Algebra II students

http://www.mathplanet.com/

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