Mathematics education for girls in Prussia 1890–1925

This paper reviews the process of introducing mathematics education in girls’ secondary schools in Prussia, the largest German state at that time, from 1890 to 1925. This period of the German Empire and the subsequent Weimar Republic is known for its various educational reforms. Our historical analysis focuses on the purposes, new teaching tasks, and methods of mathematics education for girls in comparison with an extensive reform of mathematics education for boys, the so-called “Meran Reform” of 1905. Progress and obstacles on the way to equal educational opportunities for girls in mathematics are highlighted, including the development of new teaching methods and structural disadvantages. • No mathematics education for girls at secondary schools in Prussia before 1908. • Influence of the Meran Reform of mathematics education for boys on girls’ curricula. • New methods in teaching mathematics for girls in comparison with boys. • Disadvantages for girls regarding teaching time and qualified female teachers.