On March 5, several Connecticut educational leadership groups co-hosted the statewide premiere of the documentary film “Counted Out” to support dialogue about Connecticut’s Equity in Mathematics Education joint position statement, which was unanimously endorsed by the Connecticut State Board of Education in 2023.

“This statement asserts that mathematics education must support students’ math identities, ensure we modernize our mathematics programming, and structurally align and advance systems around this common vision,” said UConn alum Jeffrey Corbishley ’07 (ED), ’08 MA, president-elect of the Associated Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut and emcee of the event.

Created by filmmaker Vicki Abeles, “Counted Out” focuses on how issues, such as political polarization, racial biases, social injustice, economic inequity, and climate change, can be better understood and addressed with math. In a world increasingly driven by data and numbers, the documentary states that understanding math is a powerful tool that can shape outcomes.

More than 400 educators, community members, and leaders from workforce development and civic groups attended the screening, which was held at Central Connecticut State University’s Alumni Hall. Corbishley said the event was a unique opportunity for organizations to come together and begin conversations “around the need to look at the role of mathematics in the world and our need to make critical changes in mathematics education.”

Besides Central, other co-hosts and sponsors of the event included:

• UConn’s Center for Education Policy Analysis, Research, and Evaluation (CEPARE)
• the Connecticut State Department of Education
• the Associated Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut (ATOMIC)
• the Connecticut Council of Leaders of Mathematics (CCLM)
• the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators in Connecticut (AMTEC)
• UConn’s Democracy and Dialogues Initiative, Dodd Human Rights Impact Programs
• ReadyCT
• the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS)
• the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE)

“Our theme in Connecticut this year is a universe of opportunities,” said Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, who gave welcome remarks at the event. “This means that, for all our students and school staff, there’s a future that knows no bounds and part of these universal opportunities is our work to support mathematics education.”

“Math is more than numbers,” said Steven Minkler, dean of Central’s School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. “It’s a language that shapes how we understand and engage with the world around us. That’s why it’s our shared responsibility to ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop strong quantitative reasoning skills and the confidence to apply them in school, in their careers, and in their daily lives.”

Jo Boaler, who is an author, co-founder of the math organization youcubed, and the Nomellini and Olivier Professor of Education at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education, is featured in the documentary and attended the Connecticut premiere as keynote speaker, sharing insights, facilitating dialogue, and extending the film’s message.

“Every time we learn, one of three things happens in the brain,” Boaler said. “We’re either forming a new pathway, connecting pathways, or strengthening pathways. There is no limit to what people can learn.”

Through a mosaic of personal stories, expert insights, and real-world examples of math transformation, “Counted Out” reveals the consequences of maintaining the status quo. It raises questions about where math proficiency declines and how individuals can maintain an understanding of the mathematical foundation of society.

Our theme in Connecticut this year is a universe of opportunities. … and part of these universal opportunities is our work to support mathematics education. — Charlene Russell-Tucker, Connecticut Education Commissioner

Megan Staples, associate professor of mathematics education at the UConn Neag School of Education, helped coordinate the event. She emphasizes the importance of mathematics in making sense of critical decision-making in society. This includes the legal system (what’s fair in society), climate change (what’s changing and what steps can be taken), the standard of living (what is affordable housing, how do we provide it), and more.

The documentary follows Glenn Rodriguez and Rebecca Galicia, whose lives were affected by math. Rodriguez was denied parole and applied mathematical research to analyze the algorithm that led to his denial and, ultimately, his release. Galicia was intimidated by the math components of nursing school, but eventually earned her nursing degree, which in turn substantially increased her income.

“Robert Moses, a civil rights activist who the film was dedicated to, was a central figure in the film,” Staples says. “He talks about algebra as the new civil right, and if you don’t have a command of algebra, just based on how the pipeline works, then you can be denied economic opportunity regardless of mathematical knowledge requirements.”

The overall message of the film is that numeric literacy is a critical determinant of social and economic power. It shapes our ability to navigate financial systems, assess risks, make informed decisions, and advocate for ourselves in an increasingly data-driven world.

“It doesn’t matter what profession you go into, we need math-literate people everywhere,” Staples says. “And for those interested in education, consider teaching math, because it is a major way to impact the world.”

To learn more about “Counted Out,” visit countedoutfilm.com or watch the trailer on YouTube.