Andrew Hacker

Andrew Hacker is an American political scientist and professor emeritus in the Department of Political Science at Queens College, City University of New York. He has written extensively on education, mathematics, and social issues, gaining particular recognition for his controversial views on mathematics education in America. His 2012 book "The Math Wars" and subsequent works challenged the necessity of advanced mathematics requirements in schools, arguing that algebra requirements may be unnecessarily preventing many students from completing their education. His other notable works include "Two Nations: Black and White, Separate, Hostile, Unequal" (1992) and "Higher Education?" (2010), which critically examined racial divisions and the value of college education in America. Throughout his career, Hacker has contributed regularly to the New York Review of Books and has written for various publications including The New York Times. His work often focuses on social stratification, educational policy, and the questioning of established academic requirements and methods. Hacker's academic career spans several decades, during which he has taught at Cornell University and was a professor at Queens College from 1971. His analytical approach to social issues and education policy has influenced debates about curriculum reform and educational accessibility in the United States.

Andrew Hacker's work tends to polarize readers, with mathematics and education professionals often disagreeing with his conclusions while general readers appreciate his accessibility. Readers cite his clear writing style and ability to present complex social issues in understandable terms. Many praise his use of statistics and data to support arguments, particularly in "Higher Education?" and "The Math Myth." Several reviews note his skill at questioning established educational norms. Critics point to what they see as oversimplified arguments and selective use of data. Mathematics teachers frequently object to his stance that algebra should not be mandatory. Some readers find his tone dismissive of technical fields. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Higher Education?: 3.5/5 (224 ratings) - The Math Myth: 3.3/5 (276 ratings) - Two Nations: 3.9/5 (189 ratings) Amazon: - Higher Education?: 4.1/5 (47 reviews) - The Math Myth: 3.7/5 (86 reviews) - Two Nations: 4.2/5 (31 reviews)

The Math Myth: And Other STEM Delusions (2016) Examines whether advanced mathematics should be required for all students and challenges current STEM education policies.

Two Nations: Black and White, Separate, Hostile, Unequal (1992) Analyzes racial divisions in American society and their impact on social, economic, and political structures.

Higher Education? How Colleges Are Wasting Our Money and Failing Our Kids (2010) Investigates the value and effectiveness of contemporary college education in America.

Money: Who Has How Much and Why (1997) Explores wealth distribution in America and examines patterns of economic inequality.

The End of the American Era (1970) Discusses changes in American society and politics during the post-war period.

The New Americans: A Guide to Immigration since 1965 (2005) Presents demographic and social analysis of immigration patterns and their effects on American society.

The Corporation Take-Over (1964) Examines the growing power and influence of corporations in American society and economy.

Jonathan Kozol His work focuses on inequalities in American public education and the societal impacts of these disparities. His books examine similar themes to Hacker's regarding education access and social justice through detailed research and statistical analysis.

Charles Murray He writes about education policy, social stratification, and intelligence testing in American society. His research on educational institutions and social outcomes parallels Hacker's analytical approach to examining systemic issues in education.

Diane Ravitch She analyzes education policy and reform movements in the United States through data-driven research. Her critiques of standardized testing and curriculum requirements align with Hacker's questioning of traditional educational structures.

Richard Arum He studies the effectiveness of higher education and its role in society through empirical research. His examinations of college outcomes and educational value connect directly to Hacker's work on higher education reform.

Paul Tough He investigates how education systems affect different socioeconomic groups and explores alternatives to traditional education metrics. His research on educational barriers and success factors relates to Hacker's analysis of mathematical requirements and educational access.