Math literacy is increasingly recognized as a fundamental civil right for securing a living wage and participating fully in modern society. This belief was strongly advocated by civil rights activist Bob Moses during the Civil Rights Movement. Moses, who founded the Algebra Project in 1982, aimed to ensure comprehensive math literacy for all students, particularly those historically disadvantaged.
The importance of math literacy
Recent studies and reports highlight a troubling trend in math education across the United States. The Nation’s Report Card revealed that only a small fraction of students achieve proficiency in math by the eighth grade, with even lower scores among low-income students and students of color. These disparities are exacerbated by unequal access to qualified teachers and high-quality resources.
Innovative approaches to math education
The Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) has received national attention for its progressive policies to increase math literacy. In 2019, Dallas ISD adopted a policy where middle school students are automatically enrolled in honors math classes, with the option to opt out, rather than needing a recommendation to opt in. This shift has led to a significant increase in enrollment among Black and Latino students, with steady overall math scores and high pass rates on state exams.
Other districts, like the San Francisco Unified School District, are following suit by implementing similar programs to offer Algebra 1 in eighth grade, aiming to make advanced math more accessible and equitable.
Challenges and equity concerns
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Some districts have ceased offering Algebra 1 in eighth grade altogether, which can limit opportunities for students to advance in math during high school. In Cambridge, Massachusetts, for example, the phasing out of accelerated math tracks has led to concerns about increased inequity, as advanced math becomes accessible primarily to those who can afford additional support outside of school.
The ongoing struggle for equitable math education underscores the importance of both top-down policy changes and grassroots support to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to achieve math literacy.
As we move forward, it’s clear that expanding access to algebra is not just an educational issue but a pressing civil rights concern, echoing the vision of leaders like Bob Moses who saw math literacy as crucial for the empowerment and advancement of future generations.
