Geometry: Wendy Lichtman, a math intervention specialist at MetWest High School in Oakland, Calif., partnered with a community art group, called the Rock, Paper, Scissors Collective, to teach ...

Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson surprised the math world when, as seniors in high school, they produced innovative solutions to a 2,000-year-old puzzle.

The turnabout has unleashed furious debate over what high school math skills are needed to succeed in college — and how best to deliver them equitably to a diverse range of students.