Frances Spielhagen's book addresses more than mathematics reform. It shows how one district successfully desegregated its 8th-grade algebra course and opened the doors to advanced math for all of its students regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Citizenship in 20th-century USA demanded mastery of 'Post Office Arithmetic' which won't do for the 21st-century. 'We The People' will need algebra! This time around, it's RWA (reading, writing, algebra) not simply RRR (reading, writing, 'rithmetic). To wash algebra across America's great unwashed will cost, no doubt about it, but as a Harvard College president put it, 'If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.' Wake Up People.''
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Robert P. ''Bob'' Moses, Founder & President, The Algebra Project, Inc.
How can we increase mathematics achievement among all students? This book provides a straightforward explanation of how changing mathematics tracking policies to provide algebra instruction to all students by at least eighth grade can bring about changes in both student achievement and teacher performance. Featuring interviews with students and teachers, the author chronicles the success of a large school district that changed the way mathematics was delivered and increased success rates across all populations.