The Ongoing Battle Over Woke Math Textbooks: Insights From Ron DeSantis' Fight

Judging by East Coast liberals' attacks on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for fighting against woke math textbooks, you’d think the battle is a new one. But the math war has been raging for years on the West Coast, where progressives have almost total control over school curricula. The discussions surrounding this issue often center around the integration of critical race theory (CRT) within educational materials, particularly math textbooks. Critics argue that DeSantis's actions are more political theater than a genuine concern for students and their education.

The governor's critics were skeptical, arguing this move was little more than contrived political theater. They immediately demanded examples of problematic textbooks. Progressive writer Judd Legum, for example, claimed DeSantis was overstating the presence of CRT in curricula, noting that it "is not something you typically find discussed in a K-12 math textbook." This skepticism raises questions about the actual content being taught and how it impacts students' learning experiences.

However, though DeSantis pointed to some specific examples of CRT-inspired teaching materials, it’s not as simple as pointing to math problems in a textbook. CRT is a lens that tints every subject, and it’s endemic to classrooms in the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Public Schools, for instance, introduced the CRT lens into math classes through the district's ethnic studies department. In 2019, the department released guidelines for K-12 math teachers to use in the classroom as part of a pilot program at a handful of Seattle public schools.

Understanding the Framework of Woke Math Education

The framework claims that "mathematical knowledge has been appropriated by Western culture" and that "math has been and continues to be used to oppress and marginalize people and communities of color." Seattle math teacher Shraddha Shirude exemplifies this approach, using ethnic studies in her high school course Mathematics for Liberation to convey that math is "used to oppress people." She believes that teaching through the ethnic studies lens dismantles the "toxic" white culture of traditional math classes.

Shirude elaborates on her teaching philosophy, stating, "When we’re only teaching them that one master narrative, that’s the master narrative that is around in society too." This sentiment reflects a broader belief among progressive educators that traditional educational narratives are inherently biased and do not represent the diverse experiences of all students. The implications of this framework have sparked significant debate about the effectiveness of such teaching methods.

The Impact on Student Performance

This framework has reportedly hurt Seattle students. As noted in Luke Rosiak’s book Race To The Bottom, black students’ state math exam scores in these pilot programs have plummeted to shocking lows. For instance, after years of consistent progress at John Muir Elementary, the passing rate for black students fell from 28 percent to 18 percent following the introduction of the ethnic studies framework. Despite these alarming results, the district has doubled down on its approach, arguing that "white supremacy culture" is endemic to mathematics classrooms.

A coalition of left-wing educators introduced "A Pathway to Equitable Math Instruction," a toolkit aimed at creating an integrated approach to mathematics that centers Black, Latinx, and multilingual students in grades 6-8. The group hopes educators will help remove white supremacy culture from math classes "as they navigate the individual and collective journey from equity to anti-racism." This initiative has garnered both support and backlash, igniting a firestorm of controversy in educational circles.

Controversial Education Policies and Their Implications

Left-wing educators were quick to embrace the "pathway." Last year, the Oregon Department of Education promoted and legitimized this fringe resource in a training session for teachers. The toolkit warns educators that "white supremacy culture" manifests in classrooms whenever teachers treat mistakes as problems, equating them with wrongness. This perspective challenges traditional teaching methods and raises questions about academic standards and accountability.

As conversations about education equity continue, the implications of these policies extend beyond the classroom. Teachers like Oregon math instructor Muhammad Rahman have expressed their commitment to using these toolkits to inform their instruction, emphasizing self-reflection and continuous improvement. However, critics argue that such approaches may not serve the best interests of students, especially if they compromise academic rigor in favor of ideological conformity.

The Role of Funding and Advocacy Groups

Large funding bodies, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, have played a significant role in promoting these educational initiatives. The foundation funded groups behind "A Pathway to Equitable Math Instruction" with nearly $140 million, including millions to The Education Trust and Teach Plus. These organizations advocate for social change within the educational system, often framing student challenges in racial and socio-economic terms.

The founder of TeachingWorks, another Gates Foundation recipient, believes that traditional math knowledge is dominated by whiteness and racism. This perspective aligns with a growing trend among some educators to view academic achievement through the lens of social justice, leading to increasingly polarized debates about curriculum content and pedagogical approaches.

Shifts in Educational Standards and Graduation Requirements

As the discussion evolves, so do educational standards. The Vancouver, Washington school board has made moves to alter advanced classes due to demographic imbalances, pushing higher achievers, often white and Asian students, into classrooms with underachievers to meet equity commitments. Meanwhile, the Democrat-controlled Oregon legislature has passed laws eliminating high school graduation requirements for math proficiency following high failure rates among minority students.

These changes reflect a broader trend toward dismantling traditional educational systems in favor of models that prioritize equity over merit. The momentum appears to be on the side of those advocating for such changes, leading to increased scrutiny of educators and their teaching materials.

Final Thoughts on the Woke Math Debate

The ongoing debate about woke math education is emblematic of larger cultural conflicts within American society. As advocates and critics grapple with the implications of critical race theory and its influence on curricula, the future of education hangs in the balance. Governor Ron DeSantis's actions in Florida have spotlighted an issue that is far from settled, challenging educators, policymakers, and parents to consider the values and priorities that shape our educational systems.

Ultimately, it is crucial for communities to engage in open and constructive dialogues about education, exploring diverse perspectives and striving for a system that promotes both equity and excellence. Only by addressing these complex issues can we hope to create an educational framework that serves all students effectively.