Dramatically Improving High School Mathematics Must Start Now!
High school math is failing many students. Out-of-date and stale curricula are not only dull, but perpetuate inequity by limiting opportunities and failing to prepare a majority of students for life in the 21st century.
Even traditionalists recognize that the status quo is no longer acceptable. Major shifts in course organization, mathematical content, pedagogy, and assessment are long overdue.
Practical Guidance for Meaningful Transformation
Invigorating High School Math
is a clarion call for meaningful transformation. Throughout the book, Steven Leinwand and Eric Milou address the most critical challenges facing high school mathematics and provide practical guidance for:
addressing
challenges and excuses
that often short-circuit new approaches
making the case for the
importance of and
rationale for changing high school math
creating
core integrated math courses
for grades 9 and 10 and
coherent pathways
for grades 11 and 12
making
critical shifts
in pedagogy and classroom practice
designing
high-quality assessments
and using them effectively
developing and executing a
rational implementation plan
A Stimulus for Discussion and a Road Map for Change
Many of these ideas will not be broadly popular. It’s likely that none of them will be easy to implement. That’s no surprise: For nearly a century, the basic structure of high school mathematics has barely changed—not because of its effectiveness, but because the status quo is a powerful force requiring purposeful action to break.
This book was written for every high school math educator and leader—as both a stimulus for discussion and a road map for change. “Our hope,” say the authors, “is that this book stimulates change, empowers teachers, and guides the profession on this critical journey to invigorate high school mathematics.”