Viewpoint: Yes, reform-based calculus provides students with a better grasp of the real-world applications and context of mathematical principles, and it also increases the participation of student populations that have been underserved by traditional teaching methods.

Viewpoint: No, the calculus reform project purges calculus of its mathematical rigor, resulting in a watered-down version that poorly prepares students for advanced mathematical and scientific training.

Calculus is quite literally the language of science and engineering. While the concepts and formalisms of calculus are more than 300 years old, they have never been more centrally important than they are today. Educators face the challenge of preparing students for careers that increasingly depend on science and technology. Traditionally, at colleges and universities calculus has served as a prerequisite for the study of any...