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This. And what goes along with it: Not pushing everyone to the same end. For example, learning math has many valuable aspects. However, learning advanced mat

This. And what goes along with it: Not pushing everyone to the same end. For example, learning math has many valuable aspects. However, learning advanced math is not valuable for everyone. In fact, it becomes detrimental to the student who struggles with it. Rather than find the subjects that are interesting and worthwhile, students are in situations where they perform poorly and will never benefit from it. The school system (from the state on down) thinks that requiring more is the solution but they should focus on doing less and doing it very well. Rather than adding more advanced classes to students who already are not benefiting from them, a solid basic foundation should be given and then move the kids into trades and vocations that suit their interests and abilities.

ry0ohki 16y ago
I remember I'd always question my high school math teachers "why do I need this? What will I use this for in real life?". They never had great answers (although in my old age I can now think of good reasons), but providing real life useful context around what is taught I think would help a lot of kids understand the importance.
- WalterBright 16y ago
  I always give an answer given to me by a used car salesman. Those who don't understand math can and will get rooked for $$$$ by those who sell them financing.
  - klbarry 16y ago
    True, but that is more along the lines of quantitative thinking. All the specific math actually useful to most people (compound interes, depreciation, etc) could be taught in a one semester course.
    - bugsy 16y ago
      Yes, the discussions on math regarding high school always seem strange to me. There is a lot of talk about the relevance of calculus and trigonometry (which I personally think are relevant and should be understood, trigonometry is required for woodworking and crafts for example), but the reality is that regardless of whatever classes they have supposedly passed the typical high school graduate has just basic arithmetic skills and many have a competency level below that, requiring a calculator in order to make change from a dollar. They have third grade level skills and nothing more. But the reality is that basic arithmetic skills are taught well and rapidly throughout the rest of the industrialized world. There are various reasons for it and the parents are not to blame, nor are "higher standards" and homework the answer. For kids that are 17 and can't reduce a fraction the answer is not to require them to take calculus next. Alas, by the time one is 14 it is too late to be learning the basics. There is no excuse to be spending so many hours in school and have students that are passed on year after year without knowing basic math and reading skills, and the usual big talk from politicians about high standards won't fix what is wrong.

ry0ohki 16y ago

I remember I'd always question my high school math teachers "why do I need this? What will I use this for in real life?". They never had great answers (although in my old age I can now think of good reasons), but providing real life useful context around what is taught I think would help a lot of kids understand the importance.

WalterBright 16y ago
I always give an answer given to me by a used car salesman. Those who don't understand math can and will get rooked for $$$$ by those who sell them financing.
- klbarry 16y ago
  True, but that is more along the lines of quantitative thinking. All the specific math actually useful to most people (compound interes, depreciation, etc) could be taught in a one semester course.
  - bugsy 16y ago
    Yes, the discussions on math regarding high school always seem strange to me. There is a lot of talk about the relevance of calculus and trigonometry (which I personally think are relevant and should be understood, trigonometry is required for woodworking and crafts for example), but the reality is that regardless of whatever classes they have supposedly passed the typical high school graduate has just basic arithmetic skills and many have a competency level below that, requiring a calculator in order to make change from a dollar. They have third grade level skills and nothing more. But the reality is that basic arithmetic skills are taught well and rapidly throughout the rest of the industrialized world. There are various reasons for it and the parents are not to blame, nor are "higher standards" and homework the answer. For kids that are 17 and can't reduce a fraction the answer is not to require them to take calculus next. Alas, by the time one is 14 it is too late to be learning the basics. There is no excuse to be spending so many hours in school and have students that are passed on year after year without knowing basic math and reading skills, and the usual big talk from politicians about high standards won't fix what is wrong.