Radical Math

Radical Math, launched in April 2006 by a U.S.-based math teacher, Jonathan Osler, is an online initiative aimed at helping K-12 educators integrate social, political, and economic justice issues into math instruction. The goal is to enhance students’ mathematical literacy while empowering them to understand and address real-world community problems. The website offers over 750 resources, including lesson plans, data sets, and teaching materials on topics such as poverty, racism, financial literacy, and public health.

Teachers are encouraged to use math as a tool for critical thinking and civic engagement. Radical Math supports dialogue through an interactive blog and incorporates real-world cases, such as the Jena 6 case, into curriculum resources. The initiative emphasises that math can be used not just to meet academic standards, but to foster analytical thinking and social responsibility. Ultimately, it seeks to reshape math education as a meaningful, transformative force for students and their communities.