Math Wars A Guide for Parents and Teachers

Subjects:

• Education » Education (General)

Reviews:

• Readers should read the entire book and understand that simple, balanced views in the midst of strife are difficult to attain. General audiences will gain insights; students of mathematics education and their teachers can read this with an eye toward unpacking the oversimplified. Recommended. General readers, graduate and professional collections.
  —Choice July 2005
• Laterell has done an excellent job of making the language in the book simple, straightforward, and easy to understand for the wides possible audience....It would be good to have a copy of Math Wars on hand to lend to parents, new teachers, or anyone interested in the current and future state of mathematics education.
  —Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School March 2006
• Parents and teachers interested in the cross-country debate about how to teach basic math won't want to miss the debate coverage in Math Wars: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. Here the heated issues between the NCTM curricula and traditional original curricula are discussed with an eye to understanding how kids learn math, what the differences are in what they are bringing home from the new curriculum, and why the standards created by the NCTM don't help prepare students for college. An intriguing survey of the many issues and theories involved in math teaching.
  —The Bookwatch December 2005
• This book will annoy some people (and that is why it was a courageous to write it), but in its final attempt to be fair to both sides of the "Wars" it is a book from which one can learn, and thus a worthwhile book not only for parents and teachers, but for all who are concerned with the state of mathematics education in the USA.
  —Journal for Research in Mathematics Education .
• [W]ritten bu a mathematics educator to help parents and other interested parties understand the great debate about how to teach basic and advanced math.
  —Library Media Connection April/May 2005

• Endorsement From Joseph R. Fiedler
  Professor of Mathematics
  CSU Bakersfield: [I]s essential reading for all noncombatants--not just parents--caught up in this fratricidal conflict. The text clearly explains how Mathematics (of all things) has become a battleground in the culture wars that characterize our society. Unfortunately, our ability to resolve this conflict and get on with the real business of education students of all backgrounds to high standards of mathematical literacy may determine the economic viability of the U.S. in the next century. This book is a valuable contribution towards that resolution.
• Endorsement From Peter Appelbaum
  Associate Professor and Coordinator of Mathematics Education Programs
  Arcadia University, Philadelphia: This is a lively and informative introduction to current conflicts and opinions about what is best for our children. Latterell explains the various positions, places them in theoretical content so that we can understand them, and leaves the final decisions up to the reader. This book shows us why all students are smart, even if there is something they were not taught, and why it is so hard to know what is best in education. Learning theories, the politics of professional associations, and the education of future teachers, are all part of what is hanging in the balance while researchers, policy-makers and curriculum writers bicker over which textbooks should be purchased. In the meantime, what does this all mean for *your* child?
• Endorsement From Scott A. Brown, Ed.D.
  Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
  Bethel University
  St. Paul, MN: Carmen Latterell provdes detailed perspectives from both sides engaged in "the math wars," making it clear why agreement over mathematics curriculum and instruction is so difficult to realize. Written in a non-technical, conversational style, this comprehensive resource will genuinely be helpful not only for parents, but also for teachers, curriculum committee members, school board members, or others interested in the debate.
• Endorsement From Vadim Ponomarenko, Ph.D.
  Trinity University
  San Antonio, TX: A war is raging in our nation's classroomms, and your child could be the next casualty. This book gently explains the conflict, the players, and the historical context, so that you can make up your own mind. It should be required reading for every parent!
• Endorsement From Lynda Beth Hoffmaster
  Instructor of Mathematics
  Hibbing Community Collegeibbing, MN: Carmen Latterell's position as a parent and an educator with advanced degrees in both mathematics and education have made for an empowering, accessible, and even-handed short course in the debates about mathematics education known as the "math wars."
• Endorsement From Sarah Kueffer
  Mathematics Instructor
  Anoka-Ramsey Community College: This is a wonderful book for parents, future teachers, actually anyone interested in mathematics education. Dr. Latterell's book provides a fantastic platform for people to begin discussions on the current issues in mathematics education. I can see it used in math method courses and also in school districts that are debating what curriculum should be adopted in their school. Dr. Latterell mentions that we need to find a good balance between "traditional" and "NCTM-oriented" math. The book gives a fair and solid description of both. Both sides of the issue need to be examined and a book like this is a perfect place to start!
• Endorsement From Joseph E. Poellinger
  Retired Professional Engineer: I think Carmen has done an excellent job outlining the conflicts in math education. I agree that mathematicians and mathematics educators should have at least an equal voice in establishing the curriculum. Process may be important, but content is probably more important! I agree with the traditional approach that basics must be taught and calculators must be outlawed, at least through the 6th grade. I also know from experience that the colleges of education do not get the cream of the crop to educate future teachers in any of the disciplines! I hope parents and legislators will read this book, and act accordingly.
• Endorsement From Sue A. Smith
  Secondary Mathematics Teacher: [A]ppeals to both parents and teachers alike. It is most informative as it clearly explains the many components of the "Math Wars." It is a must read for adults concerned about the mathematics education of their sons, daughters, and students. As a mathematics teacher who taught curricula on both sides of the "Math Wars" from the Seventies to the present time, I can truly say that I wish this book had been available before I made crucial curricula decisions in the past. I strongly suggest that this book be incorporated into every elementary, mathematics, and science teacher's education classes in college.
• Endorsement From Meridel Kahl
  Language Arts Methods Instructor
  The College of St. Scholastica: Hooray for Dr. Latterell! In this interesting, information-rich little book she explains clearly what the issues are, shows how the pendulum of change works, and suggests what we can learn from the Japanese and Chinese. Because of her insights into the math wars, I have gained new perspectives into the reading and grammar wars.
• Endorsement From Barb Omar
  Parent: I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy a book about math. It was easy to read, interesting and informative.

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• Introduction
• What Preceded the Math Wars?
• What Is Constructivism?
• What Does Research Say about the Math Wars?
• Who Are the Math Wars Players and on Which Side Are They?
• What Are the NCTM Standards?
• What Distinguishes NCTM-Oriented Curricula?
• What Distinguishes NCTM-Oriented Problems from Traditional Problems?
• What Happens to Students as They Reach the College Level?
• What Is Happening Internationally in Mathematics Education?
• Both Sides of the Question
• Additional Resources
• More Details on Related Issues
• Appendix One: Gender Differences in Mathematics Ability
• Appendix Two: Definitions of Mathematics
• Appendix Three: Placement Testing
• Glossary
• Bibliography