Latinos, Blacks Face New Problem: ‘Math Misplacement’

*A known problem with a new name, “math misplacement.” It’s when “middle-school algebra teachers [hold] back black and Latino kids from advancing to ninth-grade geometry, even though they are doing just as well as white kids.” VL

By Rod Kackley, PJ Media

California Sen. Holly Mitchell (D) connects the lack of racial diversity in Silicon Valley with racially motivated “math misplacement.”

She claims middle-school algebra teachers are holding back black and Latino kids from advancing to ninth-grade geometry, even though they are doing just as well as white kids who are getting a grade of “B” or better, and are meeting or exceeding state standard assessments.

However, the study that Mitchell and others supporting her effort cite as proof of their position also shows the real problem is actually with middle-school algebra teachers. Many of them just aren’t very good at their jobs.

The study also shows teachers’ judgment could be affected by a ferocious academic debate over whether algebra should even be taught in middle schools.

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