Yes, mathematics education is definitely political. Legislatures all over the country have been meddling in requirements for developmental education for decades now. However, it's not just math. It used to be primarily math, sometimes English, but now this politicization has spilled over into other subject areas and even just the purpose and structure of higher education itself.
Is mathematics political is a different question altogether. It can be used in politics and is, daily, but I don't think it is inherently political.
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Johanna Debrecht
Mathematics Department Chair / Assistant Professor
Red Rocks CC / Northern VA CC
Lakewood CO
johanna.debrecht@rrcc.edu------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 06-09-2022 11:24:40
From: Benjamin Aschenbrenner
Subject: IMPACT in Action - Is Mathematics (Education) (A)political?
Using the definition of political as "relating to the government or public affairs of the country", what is your response to the question(s) above? You can take the framing as you choose - it's an open discussion for us to consider the connection of what we do in the math classroom with the government or public affairs of the United States.
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Benjamin Aschenbrenner
Ivy Tech CC
East Chicago IN
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