Radical+Equations

=Background= Besides being an interesting autobiography about an inspirational man, there were actually mutliple reasons for requiring that you read Bob Moses' book.

When [|Ohio State gave him an honorary doctorate degree], they said, “It is impossible to overstate the impact Professor Robert Parris Moses has had on our nation as a distinguished educator, civil rights leader and driving force behind the acclaimed Algebra Project, the premier mathematics literacy effort in the United States. For more than a century he has poured his energies and intellect into the Algebra Project, which adeptly uses mathematics as a tool to help low-income students achieve success beyond high school. His work has revolutionized the ideal of equal opportunity in the United States and illuminated crucial educational opportunities, transforming the lives of thousands of students.” In 2001, [|The New York Times featured him in an article] about how he empowers students.

Part One (chapters 1 through 3), details his experiences in the Civil Right movement in the United States. It may not seem relevant to a math class, but stay focused on his leadership style, the "organizing tradition," and how he empowered the people he worked with. Find the answer to the question, "What does 'grassroots movement' really mean?" This becomes the foundation for who he is and what he was able to do next.

Part Two (chapters 4 through 8) tells the "story of a grassroots education movement." Do you see the connection between parts one and two?

Often times, people skip the appendices of a book, but you won't want to miss this one. This appendix should really be called "the dessert" of the book. The acknowledgements section is also informative and provides insights into the book and its author.

=Journal Entry= After reading the book, you'll write a math journal entry reflecting on the book. Feel free to be thinking about these questions throughout the whole book:

What leadership roles will you assume to promote math education and what will your leadership style be? How will you be an effective leader as a first-year teacher? a fifth-year teacher? a department chair? What can you take from Bob Mose's leadership roles in the Civil Rights movement and in the Algebra Project to apply to your own leadership?

Title your blog entry "Radical Equations."

Include a citation: Moses, R. & Cobb, C. (2001). //Radical Equations: Civil Rights from Mississippi to the Algebra Project//. Beacon Press: Boston, MA. ISBN 978-0-8070-3127-8