Curriculum Research Assignment - Algebra I - Roger

Under the Massachusetts November 2000 Curriculum Standards for Algebra I, within the Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability unit there exists this standard:

A1.D.1 Select, create, and interpret an appropriate graphical representation (e.g., scatterplot, table, stem-and-leaf plots, circle graph, line graph, and line plot) for a set of data and use appropriate statistics (e.g., mean, median, range, and mode) to communicate information about the data. Use these notions to compare different sets of data. (10.D.1)

Statistics can be useful for developing critical thinking skills such as asking oneself: How has this changed over time? or How do these groups compare? Therefore, if students are motivated to select/collect data of personal relevance, present that data visually in a graph or table, and then analyze and report on that data, then they are learning that they can investigate the questions they have about the world. In addition, the ability to understand and critique statistical reports found in the media and in research reports is important for a) not taking all reports based on statistics at face value, and b) informing yourself of the inequities and inequalities of society. In short, the content in this standard is important for becoming a free thinker in this world, where so much information is out there, but hidden to those who cannot interpret statistical information. Perhaps Delpit would call this a “skill.”

Math concepts as seen in the standards seem so far removed from reality. Therefore it is important to remember that math, to most people, should be a tool that enables you to make informed choices and problem solve. These choices and problems exist in reality, so I think that math teachers need to bring that reality into the classroom. I did not see any standards (on the first couple pages of the Algebra I curriculum) that enforced bringing reality and real world problems into the classroom. Therefore, I think the standards should speak more to the use of math for common practical applications.