Dozens of errors cited in Stanford math expert Jo Boaler’s work, complaint alleges

A Stanford University professor considered one of the most influential people in K-12 mathematics is accused of “reckless disregard for accuracy” in her work, The Chronicle of Higher Education reported. 

An anonymous complaint was reportedly filed Wednesday with Stanford citing 52 instances in which Jo Boaler allegedly included incorrect information about outside studies in learning, neuroscience and math education in her articles, lectures and books, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. Several examples were in a draft of the California K-12 math framework, a guidance document about best practices in teaching math that Boaler co-authored.

However, in a statement to The Chronicle of Higher Education, a spokesperson for Boaler said they have “no confirmation” a complaint was filed and Boaler “is confident in the integrity and expansiveness of the research that backs her work.”

“References that Dr. Boaler cites to support claims in her work do not actually support her claims,” the complaint said. 

The complaint also argues that wrong information was cited in early versions of the math framework but then removed, according to the report.

Boaler is a professor at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education. She has received statewide and national awards for her work in teaching mathematics. She has been praised for her work but also has been the center of controversies around how to teach mathematics.