The memories of adding and subtracting fractions worksheets, long division and multiplication tables bring many people a smile from a memory of their early education. After a recent study though, it may be surmised that the current students may not have memories that are all that fond. Students in the US ranked 36th of 65 countries in standardized math test scores. Are we raising a generation of intellectually lazy future citizens?
The average salary of a teacher is not an extraordinary amount. Despite this fact nearly all teachers spend, on average, near $500 to equip their classrooms with the appropriate supplies. Most other careers allow for stipends and budgets to cover the cost of accomplishing a task but not the profession of teaching our students. They are expected to educate with less than they need.
A system by which we are regularly challenged with simple to complex math problems could be a wonderful way to stimulate a population with more intelligence and comfort in the mathematics arenas of the world. It isn't often that you will be faced with a daily algebra equation to solve but it could be beneficial.
There is a serious lack of importance prescribed to retaining math skills if you don't have a job that includes its usage. The attitude of "Why should I?" seems to be the prevailing notion, rather than, "I should, shouldn't I?". Smarter people make wiser decisions but smarter people seem to be disappearing. One has only to watch late night television to be reminded of how many people can't even name our current Vice President, never mind solve a simple algebra equation.
The shame of it is that every year, budgetary restrictions become tighter and tighter despite the need for more money. Apparently, the education of our youngsters is far less important to Congressional leaders and politicians than is the military budget or their own salaries. If the trend continues, dark times will become the norm as an educational holocaust descends upon the population.
Perhaps if we had allowed for better math education, our economy would not have tanked in the housing bubble. It's not inconceivable that our failings in educating our students has become reflected in an incompetent leadership. If our science education was more top of the line, our astronauts might not be working on a Russian space station and our domestic vehicles would be more competitive in the global market.
It's allowable for students to make mistakes. Nobody is perfect and nobody always gets things the first time. It's not allowable to let entire generations of kids get through an educational system without at least a basic grasp of math. It isn't as if advanced physics is on the agenda of all students but it shouldn't be unthinkable that they should show a proficiency in algebra and basic arithmetic.
So let's challenge ourselves and our children to break out those adding and subtracting fractions worksheets and let's sit down to work out some arbitrary algebra equations. The results will speak for themselves when we don't need to break out a calculator to find the percentage for a tip. The resulting fitness of the mind will stimulate wiser decisions and confidence. It's about time we allow ourselves to be the people we should be.
The average salary of a teacher is not an extraordinary amount. Despite this fact nearly all teachers spend, on average, near $500 to equip their classrooms with the appropriate supplies. Most other careers allow for stipends and budgets to cover the cost of accomplishing a task but not the profession of teaching our students. They are expected to educate with less than they need.
A system by which we are regularly challenged with simple to complex math problems could be a wonderful way to stimulate a population with more intelligence and comfort in the mathematics arenas of the world. It isn't often that you will be faced with a daily algebra equation to solve but it could be beneficial.
There is a serious lack of importance prescribed to retaining math skills if you don't have a job that includes its usage. The attitude of "Why should I?" seems to be the prevailing notion, rather than, "I should, shouldn't I?". Smarter people make wiser decisions but smarter people seem to be disappearing. One has only to watch late night television to be reminded of how many people can't even name our current Vice President, never mind solve a simple algebra equation.
The shame of it is that every year, budgetary restrictions become tighter and tighter despite the need for more money. Apparently, the education of our youngsters is far less important to Congressional leaders and politicians than is the military budget or their own salaries. If the trend continues, dark times will become the norm as an educational holocaust descends upon the population.
Perhaps if we had allowed for better math education, our economy would not have tanked in the housing bubble. It's not inconceivable that our failings in educating our students has become reflected in an incompetent leadership. If our science education was more top of the line, our astronauts might not be working on a Russian space station and our domestic vehicles would be more competitive in the global market.
It's allowable for students to make mistakes. Nobody is perfect and nobody always gets things the first time. It's not allowable to let entire generations of kids get through an educational system without at least a basic grasp of math. It isn't as if advanced physics is on the agenda of all students but it shouldn't be unthinkable that they should show a proficiency in algebra and basic arithmetic.
So let's challenge ourselves and our children to break out those adding and subtracting fractions worksheets and let's sit down to work out some arbitrary algebra equations. The results will speak for themselves when we don't need to break out a calculator to find the percentage for a tip. The resulting fitness of the mind will stimulate wiser decisions and confidence. It's about time we allow ourselves to be the people we should be.
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