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  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!)
I applaud you for trying to make math real for the students. As a fifth grade teacher of math and social studies, I really like your idea of integrating the two subjects. I agree with the other posts that state that a letter home to parents might explain exactly what you are teaching in the classroom. It is also nice that you have the support of your principal. At the same time, 10 angry parents cannot be ignored. The data seems innocent enough, but ask yourself how you presented the material that caused such a response. Was your information balanced? Did you present any other counter information? Are there times when women or other ethnicities are paid more? Did you really give the students the complete picture? Are there jobs or institutions where women and other ethnicities are treated equally? I think that pointing out social injustice is fine as long as you take the time to also point out social justice. You do not want to come across as "bashing" any group - be they women, men, white, black, etc. Again, if 10 people are angry, I would take the time to reflect on my lesson. That has to be a significant portion of your students. Also, do not lose sight of the fact that fifth grade math is very difficult. Use the other data only as it supports your math and not instead of the math.
 
     
     
  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: Great post!
Rated On: July 10, 2015 2:30 am
Rated By: RaMevy