Texas’ Decision to Reject Math Textbook Reflects Debate Over Teaching Methods

Publisher petitions state commissioner on ruling.

In a decision that underscores long-standing rifts over how to teach mathematics, Texas officials have rejected one of the most widely used elementary textbooks in the country in that subject after complaining that it does not encourage students to memorize multiplication tables and solve problems without calculators.

The state board of education’s move last month to turn down the 3rd grade version of Everyday Mathematics echoes disputes that have inflamed educators, parents, mathematicians, and interest groups across the nation for years.

As a result of the narrow vote Nov. 16, districts won’t be able to use state money to buy the text, published...