A recent social media post by an educator, identifying as a "Dissident Teacher," has reignited debate over mathematics education in California, specifically targeting Stanford Professor Jo Boaler's influence on curriculum and its financial implications. The tweet expressed "shock" at alleged efforts to "fudge results" to widely implement Boaler's curriculum in California high schools, citing potential annual revenues of $20 million for publishers at "upwards of $100 per student." Concerns were also raised about the curriculum's impact on students' preparedness for University of California (UC) admissions.
Professor Jo Boaler, a prominent figure in math education and a co-author of the California Mathematics Framework (CMF), has been at the center of a long-standing controversy regarding her pedagogical approaches, which emphasize "equity" and "growth mindset" over traditional accelerated pathways. The CMF, finalized in October 2023, advises K-12 educators and has drawn criticism for its recommendations, including the de-emphasis of calculus and the promotion of data science as an alternative to traditional math sequences.
The tweet's financial claims, suggesting high per-student costs and significant revenue, highlight the economic stakes in curriculum adoption. While Youcubed, an organization co-founded by Boaler, offers an "Explorations in Data Science" curriculum utilizing "free tools" and has received A-G approval, the broader market for K-12 instructional materials involves substantial expenditures by school districts, which often include curriculum licensing, textbooks, and professional development.
Crucially, the tweet's concern about students being "UC-ready" resonates with recent developments. After initially expanding the list of courses accepted for admission to include data science in 2020, a UC faculty committee in March 2024 reversed this decision, concluding that certain data science courses were "too weak on algebra" to substitute for advanced mathematics requirements. This change directly impacts high school students aiming for UC admission, particularly those pursuing STEM fields.
The "Dissident Teacher" further criticized their experience with professional development from Boaler's group, stating, "My pointed questions went unanswered. It felt like a grift then, and certainly was a bunch of bs from a math perspective." The tweet concluded by labeling Boaler's curriculum as "the definition of the soft bigotry of low expectations," reflecting a strong sentiment among critics who argue that the CMF's focus on equity may inadvertently lower academic rigor.
The ongoing debate underscores the complex challenges facing California's education system as it navigates between promoting equitable access to advanced subjects and ensuring students are adequately prepared for higher education and future careers. The financial aspects of curriculum adoption and the evolving university admission standards remain key points of contention.