The Ontario Grade 9 mathematics curriculum emphasizes the need to recognize and challenge systems of power and privilege, both inside and outside the classroom, in order to eliminate systemic barriers and to serve students belonging to groups that have been historically disadvantaged and underserved in mathematics education.
I appreciate and readily acknowledge that many children face extra challenges in succeeding in school – and life – whether because of their race, gender, income level, or other factors. I totally agree that efforts should be made to remove barriers that hold back these children. But in my view the focus in the math curriculum should be on becoming competent in the subject matter. No matter what one’s background, $20 minus $13.57 will always equal $6.43.