|
|
Post by roxley on May 10, 2022 18:25:11 GMT
Banned Pre-Calculus book
 (update - actual question posted below) We have a school board member who looked at Florida's banned books and found some of ours on it. So they are now not adopting a Pre-Calculus book (that only young adults 16+ would even see) because of .... interracial marriage. Because of one man's opinion. There was a big push a decade ago to make all school material more inclusive of all races. Now apparently, only white kids can give other white kids 3 apples. From the article: "The Northwest Allen County Schools board member who wanted extra time to review four proposed math textbooks praised three titles Monday, but he criticized the other for including story problems about "inappropriate" topics including interracial marriage. The five-member board unanimously approved the K-12 textbook adoption for next academic year except for a pre-calculus book. The textbook adoption was delayed two weeks because Kent Somers, board vice president, said on April 25 he was concerned that four of the proposed titles "have been identified in other districts or other places." On April 15, the Florida Department of Education announced 54 of the 132 submitted textbooks didn't make the state's initial adoption list for math instructional materials. The Florida agency said it rejected 28 books because they incorporate prohibited topics or unsolicited strategies, including critical race theory, and it excluded 12 because they don't properly align to state standards. For 14 books, both reasons applied. Somers on Monday said three of the four books he reviewed are "outstanding," but the author of the other book is "a little bit cagey in how he's presented materials." Somers also criticized the author's extrapolation of data and questioned the author's intent. "Are we talking about divorce rates by education levels? Are we talking about interracial marriages by such-and-such?" Somers said. "These are topics we're adding into story problems that really aren't part of mathematics… probably just a few too many of those." I want to say I can't believe we are still talking about interracial marriage. But with everything that has gone down in the last 5 years, I totally can.
|
|
casii
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,517 
|
Post by casii on May 10, 2022 18:47:43 GMT
Great googly moogly. Idiots. Using that as a reason is deplorable.
|
|
scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
|
Post by scrappington on May 10, 2022 18:52:05 GMT
Ok I'm not sure what race, sexual preference, age or gender has anything to do with math?
Oh and or religion.
|
|
|
|
Post by roxley on May 10, 2022 19:03:09 GMT
Ok I'm not sure what race, sexual preference, age or gender has anything to do with math? Oh and or religion. I would love if they would show us the question. Did the question say “interracial marriage”?, did he just assume it because of names? It makes no difference, but you really have to work your brain hard to come to the result that this question will be harmful to teenagers in any way. Maybe since they also mentioned “divorce rate”, maybe the question said interracial marriages have a lower divorce rate and that made him mad. Who knows. |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 1:17:00 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on May 10, 2022 19:19:56 GMT
That's just insane! If this doesn't help prove that what's actually happening here in America is the push for White Supremacy then I don't know what else to say.
|
|
scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
|
Post by scrappington on May 10, 2022 19:32:03 GMT
Ok I'm not sure what race, sexual preference, age or gender has anything to do with math? Oh and or religion. I would love if they would show us the question. Did the question say “interracial marriage”?, did he just assume it because of names? It makes no difference, but you really have to work your brain hard to come to the result that this question will be harmful to teenagers in any way. Maybe since they also mentioned “divorce rate”, maybe the question said interracial marriages have a lower divorce rate and that made him mad. Who knows. A Pope a Rabi go into a gay bar. Like really what was the question? Lol |
|
|
|
Post by roxley on May 10, 2022 19:54:30 GMT
Someone got the question! I have no idea if I know how to add pictures, if not, I will try again LOL Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by roxley on May 10, 2022 20:01:00 GMT
the rest - wrong order, but you get the idea. Attachments:
|
|
maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,791
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
|
Post by maryannscraps on May 10, 2022 22:20:19 GMT
So what’s wrong with the problem? That students are asked to apply math to world issues? That seems like applying good critical thinking skills to me. Math isn’t some esoteric equation applied in a vacuum.
|
|
peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,891
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
|
Post by peabay on May 10, 2022 22:53:36 GMT
There is literally nothing wrong with that question.
|
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on May 11, 2022 1:50:30 GMT
I was set to be irritated and roll my eyes at the example that was given, but I have to say that it doesn’t sit well with me. Personally, I don’t really like the idea of my marriage being the subject of speculation or discussion regarding whether or not people were opposed to interracial marriage. Especially with recent events. Last week I mentioned to my son that interracial marriage was illegal not that long ago and he was shocked. Sure, it’s good to know where we have come from as a country. But I’m also worried about trumper kids getting more ideas of what rights they can take away as they get older.
I’m curious what people’s reactions here would be if you substituted gay marriage? Do you think that gay students or those who have parents who are gay would feel comfortable?
|
|
pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,922
|
Post by pinklady on May 11, 2022 1:58:12 GMT
If anyone believes republicans are not going to overturn Loving v VA you are a moron who is not paying attention.
|
|
|
|
Post by roxley on May 11, 2022 3:24:14 GMT
I was set to be irritated and roll my eyes at the example that was given, but I have to say that it doesn’t sit well with me. Personally, I don’t really like the idea of my marriage being the subject of speculation or discussion regarding whether or not people were opposed to interracial marriage. Especially with recent events. Last week I mentioned to my son that interracial marriage was illegal not that long ago and he was shocked. Sure, it’s good to know where we have come from as a country. But I’m also worried about trumper kids getting more ideas of what rights they can take away as they get older. I’m curious what people’s reactions here would be if you substituted gay marriage? Do you think that gay students or those who have parents who are gay would feel comfortable? Thanks for your perspective. That is a very different reason than why this board member doesn’t like it. I can understand how you feel. I think all of us have something we are scared of losing recently be it woman’s rights, or racial or LGBTQ equality. I don’t think the answer is to hide these issues from America’s past. Gay parents ARE upset that people are trying to erase gay marriage from school books. That is kind of where all of this started. (Well, in this district it went…no masks…no vaccines…no LQBTQ…no CRT which now apparently means no interracial marriage). And Trumper kids aren’t learning white supremacy from school books. School books might be the only place they see other ideas. |
|
|
|
Post by chances on May 11, 2022 5:03:29 GMT
I was set to be irritated and roll my eyes at the example that was given, but I have to say that it doesn’t sit well with me. Personally, I don’t really like the idea of my marriage being the subject of speculation or discussion regarding whether or not people were opposed to interracial marriage. Especially with recent events. Last week I mentioned to my son that interracial marriage was illegal not that long ago and he was shocked. Sure, it’s good to know where we have come from as a country. But I’m also worried about trumper kids getting more ideas of what rights they can take away as they get older. I’m curious what people’s reactions here would be if you substituted gay marriage? Do you think that gay students or those who have parents who are gay would feel comfortable? The questions are not asking the students to speculate about interracial marriage. They are being asked to calculate rates of change. And if then when they move to a social studies or history or government class they will have the skills to read the graphs and tables necessary to understand the material. |
|
maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,791
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
|
Post by maryannscraps on May 11, 2022 10:35:29 GMT
I was set to be irritated and roll my eyes at the example that was given, but I have to say that it doesn’t sit well with me. Personally, I don’t really like the idea of my marriage being the subject of speculation or discussion regarding whether or not people were opposed to interracial marriage. Especially with recent events. Last week I mentioned to my son that interracial marriage was illegal not that long ago and he was shocked. Sure, it’s good to know where we have come from as a country. But I’m also worried about trumper kids getting more ideas of what rights they can take away as they get older. I’m curious what people’s reactions here would be if you substituted gay marriage? Do you think that gay students or those who have parents who are gay would feel comfortable? They're being asked to analyze real-world data in comparison to surveys, and I think that's an extremely important skill for understanding the world around them, whatever issue it's about. I think an example was used that might be seen in any newspaper, as a matter of fact I read articles about both interracial marriage and gay marriage this very morning. It's important that students are given a range of examples with real-world data, so they can see the connections and relevance to their own lives while they learn to make the analysis. Otherwise, what's the point? |
|
|
|
Post by iamkristinl16 on May 11, 2022 11:52:59 GMT
@marryannscraps and chances. I understand that. I’m sharing my perspective and opinion. Perhaps you could try to understand that? Even though it’s likely that I’m not comfortable with the question for the same reasons that the people who rejected the book are, I still don’t really like the question and think there are other topics that could help the students learn critical thinking skills in math. |
|
maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,791
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
|
Post by maryannscraps on May 11, 2022 12:11:11 GMT
@marryannscraps and chances . I understand that. I’m sharing my perspective and opinion. Perhaps you could try to understand that? Even though it’s likely that I’m not comfortable with the question for the same reasons that the people who rejected the book are, I still don’t really like the question and think there are other topics that could help the students learn critical thinking skills in math. Of course you have your own perspective and opinion. I was trying to explain why *I* think it was important -- I think a wide range of data and topics should be looked at. I don't think we should avoid topics that students will be seeing on the news and in their lives because they're considered sensitive. I think that problem should be one among many different topics designed to reach students. Why are you uncomfortable with the topic and don't like the question? Because a class might have kids who are biracial? I'd think they'd love to see something that hits close to home in a math book. My son would have been very interested in a similar problem about gay marriage in his math class precisely because he's gay (I just asked him on the phone when he called, lol.) I think that statistics is something sorely lacking in high school education. And I'm all for using timely topics for analysis. I'm absolutely positively not trying to attack you, I AM trying to understand your opinion, without any attitude at all on my part. I'm involved in science curriculum development, and I'm very passionate about it. |
|
|
|
Post by agengr2004 on May 11, 2022 12:19:38 GMT
I actually prefer that they use real world examples and actual data when they formulate these types of questions. Put in gay marriage, abortion statistics, violence statistics, I'm good with it all. It's not like the kids don't know about these things, lets give them some actual data to work with.
|
|
|
|
Post by missmiss on May 11, 2022 14:18:07 GMT
Only thing I see wrong besides these not being Pre-Calc questions is number 58 which is asking students if there should be laws against interracial marriage. All of the other questions are legit.
#21, #59, and #60
Predict data based on trend lines = real world
Overestimating or Underestimating based on trend line and data = real world
Determining percentages based on data = real world
Determine what the slope represents (rate of change) = real world
Overall if you take #58 out I don't see a problem. One could make an argument for #58 that using data to support your claim is also needed in life. But this isn't asking that. It just asks "Do You Think". With this being such a controversial topic and one that could illicit some negative responses that are not appropriate for school. I could see this book not being adopted for this right now.
Once again the problems that are in the picture are not Pre-Calc questions and are more of Algebra I/Basic Statistics questions.
|
|
|
|
Post by crimsoncat05 on May 11, 2022 14:24:08 GMT
The questions are not asking the students to speculate about interracial marriage. They are being asked to calculate rates of change. And if then when they move to a social studies or history or government class they will have the skills to read the graphs and tables necessary to understand the material. I wonder if some of the objection might be to the portion of the question that had to do with 'before the change in attitude about same-sex marriage' (or however it was worded...) The statistics / graphs about interracial marriage are already history, but perhaps the objector is thinking the question writer is showing bias and in favor of same-sex marriage, because they added that phrase into the question? I dunno... just speculation on my part. The questions are not asking the students to speculate about interracial marriage. They are being asked to calculate rates of change. And if then when they move to a social studies or history or government class they will have the skills to read the graphs and tables necessary to understand the material. ^^^ I agree with this- people always wonder 'why do I need to learn this stuff?' so using real-world examples and data instead of 'numbers of apples Billy has vs. Mary, etc.' is a GOOD idea, in my opinion. Only thing I see wrong besides these not being Pre-Calc questions is number 58 which is asking students if there should be laws against interracial marriage. That is absolutely NOT what the question is asking!! #58 is not asking the students their opinion-- The question is only there because it's a statement explaining the SURVEY question that was asked to get the data in the graphs!!! |
|
|
|
Post by missmiss on May 11, 2022 14:39:01 GMT
The questions are not asking the students to speculate about interracial marriage. They are being asked to calculate rates of change. And if then when they move to a social studies or history or government class they will have the skills to read the graphs and tables necessary to understand the material. I wonder if some of the objection might be to the portion of the question that had to do with 'before the change in attitude about same-sex marriage' (or however it was worded...) The statistics / graphs about interracial marriage are already history, but perhaps the objector is thinking the question writer is showing bias and in favor of same-sex marriage, because they added that phrase into the question? I dunno... just speculation on my part. The questions are not asking the students to speculate about interracial marriage. They are being asked to calculate rates of change. And if then when they move to a social studies or history or government class they will have the skills to read the graphs and tables necessary to understand the material. ^^^ I agree with this- people always wonder 'why do I need to learn this stuff?' so using real-world examples and data instead of 'numbers of apples Billy has vs. Mary, etc.' is a GOOD idea, in my opinion. Only thing I see wrong besides these not being Pre-Calc questions is number 58 which is asking students if there should be laws against interracial marriage. That is absolutely NOT what the question is asking!! #58 is not asking the students their opinion-- The question is only there because it's a statement explaining the SURVEY question that was asked to get the data in the graphs!!! Relax you don't need to capitalize or use so many exclamation points. So sorry I misread that part and you come across rude. |
|
|
|
Post by crimsoncat05 on May 11, 2022 14:41:14 GMT
Relax you don't need to capitalize or use so many exclamation points. So sorry I misread that part and you come across rude. sorry... I didn't mean to be rude; I guess 'surprised' is what I was trying to convey (not well, apparently). I always capitalize to emphasize (not yelling), and I historically overuse exclamation points. |
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on May 11, 2022 15:01:23 GMT
Relax you don't need to capitalize or use so many exclamation points. So sorry I misread that part and you come across rude. sorry... I didn't mean to be rude; I guess 'surprised' is what I was trying to convey (not well, apparently). I always capitalize to emphasize (not yelling), and I historically overuse exclamation points. FTR I don’t think you were being rude. I was about to post the same point but you beat me to it! I think it’s the way that question 58 is worded that is somewhat off putting because it feels negative to me, mainly because of the quoted survey question. |
|
|
|
Post by missmiss on May 11, 2022 15:12:17 GMT
Relax you don't need to capitalize or use so many exclamation points. So sorry I misread that part and you come across rude. sorry... I didn't mean to be rude; I guess 'surprised' is what I was trying to convey (not well, apparently). I always capitalize to emphasize (not yelling), and I historically overuse exclamation points. Thanks and all good. I like those questions as it relates to everything we have covered in our curriculum for our statistics unit at the beginning of the year. |
|
|
|
Post by missmiss on May 11, 2022 15:13:03 GMT
sorry... I didn't mean to be rude; I guess 'surprised' is what I was trying to convey (not well, apparently). I always capitalize to emphasize (not yelling), and I historically overuse exclamation points. FTR I don’t think you were being rude. I was about to post the same point but you beat me to it! I think it’s the way that question 58 is worded that is somewhat off putting because it feels negative to me, mainly because of the quoted survey question. Maybe I am just more sensitive  |
|
|
|
Post by roxley on May 11, 2022 15:49:56 GMT
I wonder if some of the objection might be to the portion of the question that had to do with 'before the change in attitude about same-sex marriage' (or however it was worded...) The statistics / graphs about interracial marriage are already history, but perhaps the objector is thinking the question writer is showing bias and in favor of same-sex marriage, because they added that phrase into the question? I dunno... just speculation on my part. ^^^ I agree with this- people always wonder 'why do I need to learn this stuff?' so using real-world examples and data instead of 'numbers of apples Billy has vs. Mary, etc.' is a GOOD idea, in my opinion. That is absolutely NOT what the question is asking!! #58 is not asking the students their opinion-- The question is only there because it's a statement explaining the SURVEY question that was asked to get the data in the graphs!!! Relax you don't need to capitalize or use so many exclamation points. So sorry I misread that part and you come across rude. Miss miss - I totally read it the same way the first time I looked at it. I was thinking “We’ll that is kind of a weird math question.” And at first thought they were getting rid of it for that reason. |
|
maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,791
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
|
Post by maryannscraps on May 11, 2022 20:25:26 GMT
Relax you don't need to capitalize or use so many exclamation points. So sorry I misread that part and you come across rude. Miss miss - I totally read it the same way the first time I looked at it. I was thinking “We’ll that is kind of a weird math question.” And at first thought they were getting rid of it for that reason. You know, that could be true that they misread it. Tells me the question may not be clear enough if several people here misread it the first time. |
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on May 14, 2022 3:30:32 GMT
UPDATE:just a short section of the article... A Miami Herald review of nearly 6,000 pages of textbook examinations, however, shows just three state reviewers — including a sophomore studying politics at a conservative college in Michigan — said four math books violated a state rule that prohibits the teaching of critical race theory. The state defines the theory as a concept that “racism is embedded in American society and its legal system in order to uphold the supremacy of white persons.” The three represent 2.4% of the 125 math textbook reviewers. nordot.app/897953963924635648 |
|
|
|
Post by crimsoncat05 on May 16, 2022 13:35:56 GMT
The three represent 2.4% of the 125 math textbook reviewers. yeah, THAT sounds like a good reason to go ahead with a ban.  Talk about being 'ruled by the minority' for gosh sakes... sheesh. |
|
Talk about being 'ruled by the minority' for gosh sakes... sheesh.