Monday, January 26, 2009
what is the mission?
in his book, Radical Equations: Math Literacy and Civil Rights, Robert P. Moses, argues that " In today’s world, economic access and full citizenship depend crucially on math and science literacy". he writes, "I believe that the absence of math literacy in urban and rural communities throughout this country is an issue as urgent as the lack of registered black voters in Mississippi was in 1961…and Math literacy—and algebra in particular—is the key to the future of disenfranchised communities". the task of institutionalizing math literacy in the family, and community is the challenge to which this blog is addressed. particular emphasis will be placed on african american families, communities and institutions in the ensuing discussions.
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Well, Terrence, aren't you being a little coy here? Why is math literacy so important? How does math literacy hold the key to the enfranchisement of communities?
ReplyDeleteA curious mind want to know.
keep on bloggin'
peace
Black,
ReplyDeleteMonday I was invited by a professor in the UNC-CH School of Education to listen to and chime in on their discussion of how to integrate culture, diversity, and multiculturalism into their middle grades teacher curriculum. The content areas are science, social science, technology, and math.
I channeled you when we they brought up mathematics. I mentioned the Algebra Project. They need people like you, and would like to have people like you help them develop effective teachers who are able to deal with students who have learning styles and experiences that are outside of the "mainstream."
I want you to contact the professor leading the effort. One of your roles, perhaps, is that of "consultant," someone with more than expertise: personal and intimate experience of "difference" and how this can be put into the service of effective pedagogy. How is math relevant to culture, literacy, and the enfranchisement of communities? Many people would like to hear answers to this question.
BTW, this is my first blog post, ever!
Forward!
RAS
I think the educated few among us should go back to these disenfranchised areas and and encourage Math literacy therein. They need role models. People they can relate to. Just saying.
ReplyDelete