Education groups host Connecticut premiere of ‘Counted Out’ at Central

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On March 5, several Connecticut educational leadership groups co-hosted the statewide premiere of the documentary film “Counted Out” at Central Connecticut State University. 

More than 400 educators, community members, and leaders from workforce development and civic groups attended the screening in support of Connecticut’s Equity in Mathematics Education joint position statement. 

“This statement asserts that mathematics education must support students’ math identities, ensure we modernize our mathematics programming, and structurally align and advance systems around this common vision,” said UConn alumnus Jeffrey Corbishley, president-elect of the Associated Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut and emcee of the event.

Created by filmmaker Vicki Abeles, “Counted Out” focuses on how issues, such as political polarization, racial biases, social injustice, economic inequity, and climate change, can be better understood and addressed with math. In a world increasingly driven by data and numbers, the documentary states that understanding math is a powerful tool that can shape outcomes.

“Our theme in Connecticut this year is a universe of opportunities,” said Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, who gave welcome remarks at the event. “This means, for all our students and school staff, that there is a future that knows no bounds and part of these universal opportunities is our work to support mathematics education.”

Jo Boaler, an author and co-founder of the math organization youcubed, and the Nomellini and Olivier Professor of Education at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education, is featured in the documentary and attended the Connecticut premiere as keynote speaker, sharing insights, facilitating dialogue, and extending the film’s message.

“Every time we learn, one of three things happens in the brain,” Boaler said. “We’re either forming a new pathway, connecting pathways, or strengthening pathways. There is no limit to what people can learn.”

Through a mosaic of personal stories, expert insights, and real-world examples of math transformation, “Counted Out” reveals the consequences of maintaining the status quo. It raises questions about where math proficiency declines and how individuals can maintain an understanding of the mathematical foundation of society.

The documentary follows Glenn Rodriguez and Rebecca Galicia. Rodriguez was denied parole and applied mathematical research to analyze the algorithm that led to his denial and, ultimately, his release. Galicia was intimidated by the math components of nursing school but eventually earned her nursing degree, which substantially increased her income.

The overall message of the film is that numeric literacy is a critical determinant of social and economic power. It shapes our ability to navigate financial systems, assess risks, make informed decisions, and advocate for ourselves in an increasingly data-driven world.

“Math is more than numbers,” said Steven Minkler, dean of Central’s School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. “It’s a language that shapes how we understand and engage with the world around us. That’s why it’s our shared responsibility to ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop strong quantitative reasoning skills and the confidence to apply them in school, in their careers, and in their daily lives.”

With Central, other co-hosts and sponsors of the event included:

Connecticut educational leaders at the statewide premiere of the documentary film “Counted Out."

On March 5, several Connecticut educational leadership groups co-hosted the statewide premiere of the documentary film “Counted Out” at Central Connecticut State University. From left are Steven Minkler, dean of Central’s School of Engineering, Science, and Technology; Jo Boaler, Stanford University professor and keynote speaker at the event; Charlene Russell-Tucker, Connecticut Education Commissioner; and Megan Staples, associate professor at the UConn Neag School of Education and one of the event's coordinators. (Shawn Kornegay/Neag School)