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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!)
If you feel strongly about sharing this with your class, I would not take the easy way out by removing the content from your lessons. If the principal has asked you to send an explanation home, I would simply state that you were trying to tie in real-life scenarios with your math lessons, since almost every child has asked at one time or another, "When will we ever have to use this outside of school?!" I would also say that you did not create the data and should not be blamed for the outcomes that the United States has produced, but that you will make sure to convey unbiased information and only allow facts to be taught.
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: March 3, 2013 8:20 pm
Rated By: yTuGyd
 
     
     
  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. Students need to be aware of real-world situations that are going on. Sending a letter home to the parents before you start the unit is a good idea, and I like your idea that teachers should say that they are only teaching the facts.
Rated On: October 13, 2014 5:26 pm
Rated By: Megan Lee
 
     
     
  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, he should not take the easy way out, the material may be "controversial" but it also factual and the students found it interesting. It's hard enough to get kids interested in math so this is a success story in my opinion.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 11:02 pm
Rated By: Adam Sanchez
 
     
     
  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 response.
Rated On: December 1, 2014 6:37 pm
Rated By: ePeHyM
 
     
     
  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: February 25, 2015 8:01 pm
Rated By: aNaQev
 
     
     
  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: Your idea would be extremely useful. I did however also mention in my solution that maybe he should let the parents know he cares about their feelings by setting up parent teacher meetings. This way they can both let their concerns out and discuss what needs to be done.
Rated On: June 10, 2015 4:23 pm
Rated By: TyhyMa
 
     
     
  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 a letter explaining the statistics and data collected would be excellent for parents. Once the parents get the facts they are apt to be more understanding.
Rated On: June 11, 2015 3:43 am
Rated By: Tina Joiner
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No
The suggested solution is relevant to the case No
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: I don't think a teacher can just do something in class just because they feel strongly about it, and supporting your teaching practices with cliches such as the one you stated about math being used outside of school is not going to strengthen your argument. If you feel strongly about a teaching practice you are receiving criticism about from administration and parents, the only way you can take up cause is if you have data that supports students success and makes what you did in the classroom relevant. If that does not exist, in good consciousness you cannot continue these practices in the classroom.
Rated On: June 14, 2015 6:39 pm
Rated By: Farhat Ahmad
 
     
     
  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: This is a great solution. I too agree that this is a great example of relating content learned in class to the real world. Great job!
Rated On: June 15, 2015 2:34 am
Rated By: Melissa Aspinwall
 
     
     
  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 Idea! Easy for the teacher to implement!
Rated On: July 10, 2015 2:23 am
Rated By: RaMevy
 
     
     
  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: Life is hard enough figuring these things out at too late an age. You can't assume students should stay naive just because they're young and can't handle it. Bringing the facts out sooner will help the students grow up faster and learn more creatively, and even help them think on their own.
Rated On: October 16, 2015 7:26 pm
Rated By: nydyra
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No
The suggested solution is relevant to the case No
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: .
Rated On: November 2, 2015 4:42 am
Rated By: uSezaV
 
     
     
  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 No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: I disagree with the last part. It sounds too defensive. We should not start pointing fingers at whose fault as what and just look to the future to continue to improve.
Rated On: December 6, 2015 1:46 pm
Rated By: Tetygy
 
     
     
  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 think this is a wonderful solution that will help any reader.
Rated On: March 6, 2016 11:52 pm
Rated By: useZyt
 
     
     
  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: It provides great details onto why this statement is a great solution to this case.
Rated On: October 14, 2016 11:33 pm
Rated By: zevuBa
 
     
     
  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 think this is the perfect way to respond to this situation. I think that conveying the point to the parents that the statistics are completely factual is really important. If anything, sharing and talking about these statistics with your students will hopefully lead to less hatred and more understanding in your students!
Rated On: October 16, 2016 7:21 pm
Rated By: aLuruz
 
     
     
  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: useful in a way that student want to relate classwork to real life
Rated On: October 17, 2016 1:24 am
Rated By: veXyge
 
     
     
  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: This is a great idea!
Rated On: March 3, 2017 8:04 pm
Rated By: eqeJaQ
 
     
     
  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 completely. This is useful information that students should be taught, considering they are the future generation of our country.
Rated On: March 5, 2017 4:41 pm
Rated By: QaHyWe
 
     
     
  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! students always want to know how what they are learning will be used in the future. I also believe that this is a huge civil rights issue that should be disused in every class. Equality is what we should be fighting for on every level, each student deserves the same opportunists to succeed as the other. Thank you for sharing
Rated On: March 6, 2017 12:55 am
Rated By: Emily Alvarez
 
     
     
  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 really liked your solution
Rated On: October 13, 2017 12:02 am
Rated By: umuzeZ
 
     
     
  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 you should not remove the content from the curriculum if you feel strongly about it. I also think that it is important to include that the information was released from the United States Government and you were unbiased in giving the students the information.
Rated On: October 14, 2017 12:31 am
Rated By: GaVyme
 
     
     
  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 is a good solution. You want to be able to tie in real world situations for the students to learn and I believe the school will agree with this as long as you are only allowing the facts to be taught.
Rated On: October 15, 2017 3:52 pm
Rated By: Xupuva
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this
Rated On: October 15, 2017 9:37 pm
Rated By: eGabez
 
     
     
  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, particularly as you have the support of your principal. It is also important that you emphasize that providing students the chance to look at data and discuss the real world implications can actually help to teach tolerance instead of hate.
Rated On: October 16, 2017 1:53 am
Rated By: PeMuQa
 
     
     
  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: This is good advice. People should teach about real life events.
Rated On: February 21, 2018 3:06 am
Rated By: uXysej
 
     
     
  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: February 24, 2018 11:52 pm
Rated By: upyWyH
 
     
     
  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: Couldn't have said it better myself!
Rated On: February 25, 2018 7:07 am
Rated By: epuMat
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this
Rated On: February 26, 2018 12:19 am
Rated By: DuTepy
 
     
     
  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
Rated On: October 27, 2018 7:37 pm
Rated By: Carla Crumb
 
     
     
  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 because students do need to know that math can be applied to the real world.
Rated On: February 18, 2019 9:53 pm
Rated By: Tiffany Foti
 
     
     
  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 like how you mentioned using unbiased information to avoid conflict in the class.
Rated On: February 24, 2019 2:23 pm
Rated By: tuSuXy
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, I would do exactly this.
Rated On: February 24, 2019 10:16 pm
Rated By: yzysuZ
 
     
     
  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 think this is a very helpful tip. If that's what you believe you should stand up for what you believe.
Rated On: February 26, 2019 1:57 am
Rated By: eBejaP
 
     
     
  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: This is a great solution and gives appropriate suggestions.
Rated On: July 7, 2019 3:48 pm
Rated By: yJyLep
 
     
     
  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: This is a logical response that emphasizes how the parents can understand that through these lessons the students will learn how math relevant and can be used to measure information such as this in real life While also giving them information about current issues.
Rated On: October 19, 2019 10:37 pm
Rated By: maVeqy
 
     
     
  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: This is a good solution. I would just be a little more careful if parents are going to act that concern with future real life tie ins.
Rated On: February 21, 2020 8:07 pm
Rated By: vaMuvy
 
     
     
  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: This is an excellent solution.
Rated On: October 8, 2020 8:01 pm
Rated By: medega
 
     
     
  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: good input, not the teachers fault
Rated On: October 16, 2020 5:47 pm
Rated By: VePuWu
 
     
     
  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: Everything about this solution is good.
Rated On: October 18, 2020 4:46 am
Rated By: edudyp
 
     
     
  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: That's exactly how I feel
Rated On: July 1, 2021 6:58 pm
Rated By: yTuWeG
 
     
     
  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 think it is still important to bring awareness of these topics and relate them to the real world even if it might not be seen as math, even if the explanation might not stop the parents' disagreements with the curriculum, it gives some sort of explanation.
Rated On: October 31, 2021 3:21 pm
Rated By: Pearl Reberkenny
 
     
     
  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: The parents sound uptight, and this answer is correct that the teacher is only presenting stats. Nothing wrong with that.
Rated On: March 31, 2022 2:42 pm
Rated By: uVeneH
 
     
     
  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, the best way to get kids to learn things is by tying it to the real-world
Rated On: November 10, 2022 2:03 am
Rated By: uNaBuT
 
     
     
  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! Data that is fact needs to be shared, although the correct responses to data ex. hatred, jealousy, or pride.... needs to be address by the teacher so that no students react destructively.
Rated On: November 20, 2022 9:27 pm
Rated By: segeRa
 
     
     
  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: Yes! Yes! Yes!
Rated On: October 7, 2023 11:39 pm
Rated By: bequja
 
     
     
  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!
Rated On: November 6, 2023 4:32 am
Rated By: XaJeXa