for the learning of mathematics

an international journal of mathematics education

Pete Wright - Vol. 32 Num. 2 (2012)
 The Math Wars: tensions in the development of school mathematics curricula

7-13
 ABSTRACT:

The Math Wars have been raging since the 1990's in the United States, where the world of mathematics education has become polarised into two camps: the reformers and the traditionalists. In this article I explore the background to the Math Wars, with specific reference to conflicting ideologies of mathematics education. I draw parallels with similar, albeit less public, tensions and power struggles amongst policy makers and practitioners in England. I conclude by highlighting the danger of allowing increasing levels of politicisation of the education agenda to subsume the need for reform of the curriculum highlighted by the mathematics education community.