When the mathematical proficiency or quantitative literacy of a country is linked to the location where its math curriculum was formulated—for example, both developed and developing countries that have adopted the Singapore math curriculum, or adapted part of it, have generally performed better than those that are reluctant to take the risks.
Just as the color of the cat doesn’t matter as long as it catches the mouse, so the geography of math shouldn’t be a big concern for parents and politicians if the local or foreign math curriculum could produce a quantitatively literate or numerate citizentry.
by MathPlus April 29, 2021
Communities and countries (or schools and states) around the globe with the highest and lowest levels of adoption of the Singapore math curriculum, or part of it—which incorporates the best methodologies and pedagogies from both the East and the West—with some demographic or racial groups more receptive to embracing this alien math program than others.
The geography of Singapore math reveals a strong support among American homeschoolers and white middle-class families, who order tens of thousands of math titles every year from the “fine” city-state.
by Numerati April 07, 2025