Yes. If an equal number of Black children and Caucasian children are taught geometry and algebra, the Caucasians stand a better chance of excelling because fewer Caucasians had to go to inner city schools. So the Caucasians had a better foundation to learn geometry and algebra.
QUOTE: “But, are there not Caucasians, Asians, and Latinos going to those same schools and classes?” I would say NO, or not an nearly as many. There are many many more black students getting an inadequate primary school education (even though they are just as intelligent as Caucasians on average), which would lay the groundwork for them to succeed in geometry and algebra. And like her, I do not think that these subjects should be required to graduate from high school.
I read her words and I think that is all she is really saying. I think she used the wrong words and has angered people.
She did not suggest we quit teaching arithmetic in elementary schools. She suggested that algebra and geometry not be required to get a high school diploma . That’s all.
Maisie Morton said: I would say NO, or not an nearly as many. There are many many more black students getting an inadequate primary school education (even though they are just as intelligent as Caucasians on average), which would lay the groundwork for them to succeed in geometry and algebra. And like her, I do not think that these subjects should be required to graduate from high school.[/QUOTE] Then, it would follow that the failure is through the dynamics of teaching and not necessarily the student, which is pretty much what I have been arguing. And yes, I do heartily agree that higher conceptual math should not be a prerequisite for a graduating student. Most of my angst does come from the fact that when I hear or read anyone making random excuses for the lack of excellence especially if it reads like an entire race is somehow mentally in deficit, it tends to bring the blood pressure up. I used to run an ILS program for the nearly and totally illiterate and I saw some amazing results in all aspects of base and even higher education and race had absolutely nothing to do with how a student performed.
Then, it would follow that the failure is through the dynamics of teaching and not necessarily the student, which is pretty much what I have been arguing. And yes, I do heartily agree that higher conceptual math should not be a prerequisite for a graduating student. Most of my angst does come from the fact that when I hear or read anyone making random excuses for the lack of excellence especially if it reads like an entire race is somehow mentally in deficit, it tends to bring the blood pressure up. I used to run an ILS program for the nearly and totally illiterate and I saw some amazing results in all aspects of base and even higher education and race had absolutely nothing to do with how a student performed.[/QUOTE] I agree. Race has nothing to do with inherent ability. It ‘s just that, unfortunately, many black students do not have the benefits of good schools. I don’t think this is a random excuse, but a fact. Also, the professor should not have brought the words “White Privilege” into the conversation.
@Maisie Morton In my high school, neither Algebra nor Plane Geometry were required to obtain a diploma; however, two years of what amounted to basic Arithmetic and Applied Arithmetic were. Almost none of my acquaintance students did not get Algebra and Geometry, however. Frank
In the last couple of years, the misuse of those two words have caused a whole new barricade between the races. Perhaps it was an initiative to give a "name" to the mountain to be traversed but the height of it should not be used as a reason not to try to overcome it. A few pages out of Ben Carson's life or a long talk with someone attending Grambling State University might be the better lesson. By the Bye @Maisie Morton. I do believe that thus far you are making a fine addition to our little discussion group!
Thank you Bobby Cole. It is so good to find a group of intelligent people like the people I have encountered here You wouldn’t believe some of the crazy comments from my other forum.