As concerns about the economy and American competitiveness grow, a new axiom is emerging in education debates. Many education reformers, parents, and students argue that the fight for a high quality education for every American isn’t only good economic policy, it is the twenty-first century incarnation of the civil rights movement. Taking this analogy one step further, some contend that Freshman Algebra has become a key gateway to Dr. Martin Luther King’s mountaintop of equal opportunity and the freedom to pursue the American dream. Unfortunately, supporting the academic success of students in math and science can sometimes feel as complicated as a complex algebraic equation.
On January 28 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. KLRU and United Way Capital Area will present the film “It All Adds Up” as part of the Live United Film Series. “It All Adds Up” chronicles the experiences of Math Corps – a Detroit-based effort to engage middle and high school students in high energy math instuction. Math Corps is defying the stereotypes of not only mathematics education, but of participating students themselves. As one of the program’s founders notes, math is merely a tool for engaging children in education and in their own futures. Math Corps has proven time and time again that motivated and engaged students can break the barriers that all too often create obstacles to success. The program’s committed adults and rigorous and relevant academics win the day – and do more than simply solve sophisticated math problems.
After the screening of the film, I will have a chance to moderate a panel discussion of the film and its implications for our community. Our panelists represent a diverse cross-section of our community’s citizens and institutions. They include Dr. Michael Marder-UTeach, Liliana Ary-Univision Radio & Clayton Christopher-Sweet Leaf Tea accompanied by a young person he mentors at Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Texas. I hope you will join us for this meaningful and very important conversation.
Register today at www.handsoncentraltexas.org.
Jason Sabo
Senior Vice President of Public Policy
United Ways of Texas
smile jason!