Skip to main content

Are We Falling Behind?

http://www.stolaf.edu/other/extend/Expectations/society.html

The link I have included is a compilation of some business executives who write about what they are seeing in the math ability of their employees.

Is America falling behind the world in math education? I would hope not. However trends seem to suggest otherwise and the linked article is just an example of what the business world is seeing as repercussions to America's lack of quality math education.

Jim Miller of the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute asked in the article why the University of Wisconsin offers a course that is primarily about adding fractions. This is a trend we see far too frequently in colleges and Universities around the country. It is my belief that this is caused by the lack of basics and number sense being taught in elementary schools. Miller goes on to say "There's almost no accountability now. Students are not being challenged. If they feel good, they think that's enough. I don't think that's enough. 'Feel good math' is not good enough." I agree with Mr. Miller. Many schools have adopted a "Feel Good" attitude about math. They incorporate integrated math curriculum that is designed to make the child feel good. Students will feel much better and have a better attitude if they are given the skills to be successful. Schools don't hold students back anymore they pass them through regardless of the competency level.

We need to get back to holding schools, teachers and students accountable. We need to teach math to kids in a way that makes sense to them. We need to also get back to the basics and then also challenge students to expand their thinking and have a hunger for mathematics.

Mathematics is what drives the world. Great inventions, logical ideals and everything made by man required some sort of mathematics. For America to continue to be a leader in technology we need to teach the future of tomorrow stronger more viable math skills. If schools can't do it then it will force parents to seek outside resources for helping their child to be successful in mathematics. Where do you stand on this issue?
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Where Have I Been?

 The title of this article is apropos since I haven't blogged in almost 12 years. I plan to start this blog up again and try to blog on a consistent basis. I will also be broadening the topics that I write about. Be sure to subscribe so you can get notifications about when I post. So what have I been up to since that October day in 2013 when I made my last blog? Let me recap for you. When that post happened I was in the middle of my Toastmaster journey and I'm happy to say that I crossed the Toastmaster finish line by earning my DTM. I didn't continue in Toastmasters after that since I changed jobs and took my leadership skills to Mathnasium and started running a Mathnasium in Blaine MN in 2016. I got the opportunity to blend my education degree with my MBA and use it as the Director of the Mathnasium in Blaine. I also had the opportunity to be the director at one in St Louis Park and one in  Andover. I ran these until 2023 when I decided to go back into the classroom and t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Team of Rivals

 Today I'm going to give you a book review. My favorite books to read are non-fiction books about baseball seasons, baseball players, presidents, or history. The book I'm currently reading and almost done with is "Team Of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin published in 2005. This book is 754 pages and I have 23 pages left so I think I can give you a good indication about the book. This book is really a retelling of the political career and presidency of Abraham Lincoln as told through extensive research into diaries and memoirs of those who worked closely with Lincoln. I have really enjoyed this book and the writing of Kearns. She is able to piece together all of her information about Lincoln's presidency and life during that time. She gives us up close narratives of the behind the scenes at the White House and his cabinet especially during the civil war. More often than not Presidents will give cabinet spots to friends. This book shows that Lincoln surrounded himsel...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Audience

Any time you give a presentation it is not only the presentation that is important but the audience may be just as important. It is the audience that you are selling your idea to and presenting the information to as well. It is important to make sure you are meeting the needs of your audience. In that regard you need to understand the types of people that could make up your audience. We are looking at the concept of SOW and REAP. The SOW portion was the presentation itself and it included Substance, Ownership and WOW Factor. The REAP is the audience, starting Monday I will address what the R stands for. First lets look at the principle of sowing and reaping. The idea is that whatever you sow that you will also reap. If you plant corn you should reap corn. In our little scenario if you plant a quality presentation with great ideas you should be able to reap success. If you present a bland and boring presentation your will probably put your audience to sleep and your idea and present...
Post a Comment
Read more