3 ms·

I was frustrated by this article because I find it taking for granted the idea that math is only accessible to a small group of people - 'talented, gifted, with

I was frustrated by this article because I find it taking for granted the idea that math is only accessible to a small group of people - 'talented, gifted, with an affinity for, confluence of specific abilities'. I find similar language around programs like the Russian School, Brilliant and quite obviously the 'gifted' programs. Yet in this article they quote the following statistics: - High achievement in math: US 9% to SK 30% - Ratio of high achievers affluent vs poor: US 8 to 1, SK 3 to 1 These statistics communicate to me that half of all students are capable of high achievement in mathematics. From my experience tutoring and visiting classrooms of various grade levels and demographics, most students are capable of the rich problem solving described in the article. US education's biggest issue is social justice. We spend the least resources on the children who need it most. It's funny to me that the closing of this article suggests that it's time for the advanced mentors to step in to the public education scene. What would a group of people that cater primarily to the best-served students in the system have to say about how to help the worst-served? What would they know about the obstacles faced by poor children and parents; overworked, undertrained and unsupported teachers; and underfunded schools?

mineshaftgap 11y ago
> We spend the least resources on the children who need it most. Actually we spend a lot more with no returns. No amount of investment will ever offset bad parenting. Short of removing the children, which will never happen, what can be done?
jimbokun 11y ago
"What would a group of people that cater primarily to the best-served students in the system have to say about how to help the worst-served? What would they know about the obstacles faced by poor children and parents; overworked, undertrained and unsupported teachers; and underfunded schools?" Hopefully they wouldn't get caught up in all that and just teach some math to whoever's interested, regardless of income level.
- hdctambien 11y ago
  > teach some math to whoever's interested But in public school you have to teach math to everyone. Any they aren't all interested.
  - wallflower 11y ago
    One of my teacher friends taught 6th grade math. In his classes, he had to account for 4th through 8th grade math skill levels. Those with 8th grade being Khan Academy-style motivated learners.
RogtamBar 11y ago
>These statistics communicate to me that half of all students are capable of high achievement in mathematics. From my experience tutoring and visiting classrooms of various grade levels and demographics, most students are capable of the rich problem solving described in the article. Are Americans the same as South Koreans?

mineshaftgap 11y ago

> We spend the least resources on the children who need it most. Actually we spend a lot more with no returns. No amount of investment will ever offset bad parenting. Short of removing the children, which will never happen, what can be done?

jimbokun 11y ago

"What would a group of people that cater primarily to the best-served students in the system have to say about how to help the worst-served? What would they know about the obstacles faced by poor children and parents; overworked, undertrained and unsupported teachers; and underfunded schools?" Hopefully they wouldn't get caught up in all that and just teach some math to whoever's interested, regardless of income level.

hdctambien 11y ago
> teach some math to whoever's interested But in public school you have to teach math to everyone. Any they aren't all interested.
- wallflower 11y ago
  One of my teacher friends taught 6th grade math. In his classes, he had to account for 4th through 8th grade math skill levels. Those with 8th grade being Khan Academy-style motivated learners.

RogtamBar 11y ago

>These statistics communicate to me that half of all students are capable of high achievement in mathematics. From my experience tutoring and visiting classrooms of various grade levels and demographics, most students are capable of the rich problem solving described in the article. Are Americans the same as South Koreans?