Mathematics in the first year will be compulsory from the beginning of the 2023 academic year

On the one hand, Hugo Duminil-Copen, French mathematician, specialized in the field of probability, 2022 medal; On the other hand, the international Timss assessment (1) where CM1 students die last and fourth to penultimate in Europe in maths and science. A large symptomatic gap in the position of mathematics in France. If France continues to produce brilliant researchers, the average level of the subject is more than mediocre.

On Sunday, Education Minister Pap Ndiaye announced that compulsory mathematics education will be introduced in the first grade at the beginning of the 2023 school year. A response to the controversy arising from the lack of discipline in general first grade teaching. Faced with the enthusiasm of teachers, researchers and senior leaders, candidate Macron promised in March the return of mathematics in the common core if re-elected. This year was created hastily and selectively. only 10% of high school students follow it. therefore, it will be mandatory in September 2023. What will fundamentally change the situation?

“This teaching will be aimed at students who have not chosen mathematics as a major in their first year and who do not a priori have a strong appetite for scientific subjects. ” explains Pierre Mathieu, co-pilot of the Undergraduate Reform Monitoring Committee. He notes ” mathematics for all ” or “ citizens ” which allows you to understand the standard deviation or growth curve. ” The program will need to be well thought out “, he adds. This will be developed by summer. It should appeal to non-mathematicians and will succeed in linking mathematics to other subjects such as biology or economics. A huge challenge.

Scientific path challenge

To prepare the students for this teaching, Pope Ndiaye stated that at the end of the second he created the “reconciliation module with discipline. “By adding 1h30 to the timetable of students who did not choose the mathematics major, we risk a pronounced sense of punishment, on the contrary, of reconciliation. » thinks Melanie Guenay, at the French Mathematical Society (SMF).“At a time when it is difficult to recruit them, will the teachers be enough?” Asks Sophie Venetita, on Snes.And what will students be able to do in higher educational institutions with the achievements of this education? » Same question from the Association of Mathematics Teachers (Apmep).“The 1h30 lesson risks not being evaluated” thinks its president Claire Piolti-Lamort.

Clearly, this new training will not add value to higher education. This also happens at school when the frustration between students and mathematics is already over. Assessments show that it all starts at primary school, where most teachers have no scientific training. In this area, the Ministry of Education has committed to continue its program of mathematics training for school teachers. In college, he promises that for the start of the 2023 academic year.aggregation module» for 6th graders^e in trouble, and adepth modulefor the best performers.

Because the problem for the future of the country is to get more students involved in the scientific way. The 2019 Blanquer reform created demanding majors in mathematics and physics aimed at profiles for higher scientific studies. In 2022, mathematics remained the most chosen major at the terminal with 37% of high school students. A proportion that drops to 26% for young women. Another challenge for a department committed to “promote equality between girls and boys”from elementary to high school.

(1) Trends in International Mathematics and Science Studies, 2020