I teach math at a community college. It is all about removing complexity. The idea in education is that everyone is intellectually equal. Therefore the racial achievement gap in mathematics is due to racism. The solution is to change things. Too many POC students aren’t placing into college level math therefore get rid of placement test and get rid of remedial courses. Create new college algebra with just in time tutoring and voila, no more racial achievement gap. If you dumb things down enough everyone passes and we can pat ourselves on the back and claim to have solved the racial achievement gap.
My complaint about these reforms is that the root cause of the issue is not being addressed. This has long term negative effects. My own anecdotal experience is that what used to be a C is now an A or a B in my classes and I’m passing people who don’t know anything. I’m judged by the passing rate so I’m maximizing that metric. These reforms are just doing what I’m doing but in a less forthright way.
My complaint about these reforms is that the root cause of the issue is not being addressed. This has long term negative effects. My own anecdotal experience is that what used to be a C is now an A or a B in my classes and I’m passing people who don’t know anything. I’m judged by the passing rate so I’m maximizing that metric. These reforms are just doing what I’m doing but in a less forthright way.