|
|
|
|
Case: Math and Social Justice! No No!
Recently, I read a report in a national magazine on income levels of different groups of people in the US. The report especially featured income differences between males, females and different ethnic groups. Some of the statistics were very disturbing. For example, women holding the same job as men with same number of years in the job made considerably less money in most of the states. Differences between ethnic groups were even more disturbing. I decided to use these data in my math class with my 5th graders in a lesson on graphing. The purpose was for the students to be able to interpret graphs and create graphs using the information provided. Students enjoyed the lesson and learned some social justice lessons. Apparently a lot of my students talked to their parents about what they had learned in class when they went home. I received notes from about 10 parents the next day simply indicating that what I taught in my math class would lead to hatred among my students and that I should not be wasting their children's valuable time. Rather, they suggested, I should teach math with no controversial materials. I completely disagree with them and I plan to use similar materials in my other courses as well. However, my principals asked me to send an explanation to those parents. I know my explanation will not stop the complaints. How should I go about this potentially long battle? Or should I take the short cut simply remove such content from my lessons?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
It is important that everyone has an understanding of different types of cultures as well as an understanding of differences between men and women. I believe that if you gave the parents an explanation on why you are using this certain information, plus tie them to some of the standards, they would be more understanding of your lesson. Do not assume an explanation will not stop the complaints. I do not believe that it should be dropped, nor do I believe that it teaches hate. I think it will teach your students to have an understanding of differences and this material should be taught. If all else fails, you could always teach some of the report, but don't use all of it. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is original |
Yes
|
Comments: I agree that this lesson won't teach hate, I think it will have the opposite effect and teach them to not discriminate. |
Rated On: October 17, 2014 3:19 pm |
Rated By: Angela Avery |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
|
The suggested solution is original |
Yes
|
Comments: I agree with this solution. |
Rated On: October 9, 2020 8:55 pm |
Rated By: vaMuvy |
|
|
|
|
|
|