Framing Mathematics Challenges as "Alignment" Re-Renders Contradictory Neoliberal and Neoconservative Discourses as Commonsensical (Poster 23)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Fifteen
  In Poster Session: Section 3 Poster Session: Curriculum and Instruction

Abstract

Schooling is organized by the commonsense discourses that organize society. Neoliberalism and neoconservatism are two such discourses that, while inherently contradictory, converge to promote their agendas through education reform. This study analyzed interviews with four district leaders in a local school district to interrogate how the discourses converged to shape problem framing. Specifically, we asked: how are the inherent contradictions of neoliberal and neoconservative discourses re-rendered as commonsensical by district leaders dealing with a mathematics challenge in a rural setting? We found that framing mathematics challenges as “alignment” re-rendered contradictory neoliberal and neoconservative discourses as commonsensical. This frame masked the true or “real” problems in education, instead advancing manufactured problems for which teachers were responsible for solving.

Authors

• Cassandra Kinder, University of Missouri
  Presenting Author

• Charles Munter, University of Missouri
  Presenting Author

• Phi Nguyen, University of Missouri
  Presenting Author