Math wars

In the United States, math wars are debates over modern mathematics education, textbooks and curricula that were triggered by the publication in 1989 of the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and subsequent development and widespread adoption of a new generation of mathematics curricula inspired by these standards.

While the discussion about math skills has persisted for many decades,[1] the term "math wars" was coined by commentators such as John A. Van de Walle[2] and David Klein.[3] The debates focus on traditional mathematics versus reform mathematics philosophy and curricula, which differ significantly in approach and content.

  1. ^ Preliminary Report, National Mathematics Advisory Panel, January 2007
  2. ^ Reform Mathematics vs. The Basics: Understanding the Conflict and Dealing with It, John A. Van de Walle Virginia Commonwealth University; "Debate has degenerated to 'math wars'"
  3. ^ Klein, David. "A quarter century of US 'math wars' and political partisanship". California State University.