Math Wars - by Carmen Latterell (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book is written for parents and other interested parties so that they can understand the great debate taking place in many states in this country about how to teach basic math. The debate centers around the standards written by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), which call for a radically different approach to mathematics education. Because the issues are so heated between the NCTM-oriented curricula and traditional curricula (the curricula that NCTM-oriented replaced), the term Math Wars was coined to describe them.

Parents are concerned about their children's math learning. Teachers are concerned about math teaching. When parents see what children are bringing home under the new curriculum, it is clear that their children are not working on the same mathematics that parents remember from the time when they were in school. But, the problem goes beyond grades K-12. Post-secondary mathematics courses are the fear of many students. The standards created by the NCTM do not necessarily prepare students for success, either on SATs or in college.

Besides lack of knowledge about mathematics education, many parents have an additional problem in that they feel they lack knowledge in mathematics itself. This is very intimidating; thus it is difficult for parents to do anything about the confusing state of mathematics education. This book provides some answers.

Book Synopsis

This book is written for parents and other interested parties so that they can understand the great debate taking place in many states in this country about how to teach basic math. The debate centers around the standards written by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), which call for a radically different approach to mathematics education. Because the issues are so heated between the NCTM-oriented curricula and traditional curricula (the curricula that NCTM-oriented replaced), the term Math Wars was coined to describe them.

Parents are concerned about their children's math learning. Teachers are concerned about math teaching. When parents see what children are bringing home under the new curriculum, it is clear that their children are not working on the same mathematics that parents remember from the time when they were in school. But, the problem goes beyond grades K-12. Post-secondary mathematics courses are the fear of many students. The standards created by the NCTM do not necessarily prepare students for success, either on SATs or in college.

Besides lack of knowledge about mathematics education, many parents have an additional problem in that they feel they lack knowledge in mathematics itself. This is very intimidating; thus it is difficult for parents to do anything about the confusing state of mathematics education. This book provides some answers.

Review Quotes

"[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."-Sue A. Smith Secondary Mathematics Teacher

"[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."-Joseph R. Fiedler Professor of Mathematics CSU Bakersfield

"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!"-Vadim Ponomarenko, Ph.D. Trinity University San Antonio, TX

"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."-Scott A. Brown, Ed.D. Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Bethel University St. Paul, 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."-Lynda Beth Hoffmaster Instructor of Mathematics Hibbing Community Collegeibbing, MN

"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."-Meridel Kahl Language Arts Methods Instructor The College of St. Scholastica

"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."-Joseph E. Poellinger Retired Professional Engineer

"I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy a book about math. It was easy to read, interesting and informative."-Barb Omar Parent

"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?"-Peter Appelbaum Associate Professor and Coordinator of Mathematics Education Programs Arcadia University, Philadelphia

"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!"-Sarah Kueffer Mathematics Instructor Anoka-Ramsey Community College

?[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

?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

?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

?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

?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

"ÝW¨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

"[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

"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

"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

"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

"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

About the Author

CARMEN M. LATTERELL, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She has taught mathematics at all levels since 1988. She is a frequent contributor to research journals on the subject of mathematics education.