Thread: The Progression of Mathematics Instruction in the U.S.

An Email from a friend...

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help.

Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:


Teaching Math In 1950

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?


Teaching Math In 1960

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?


Teaching Math In 1970

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80.
Did he make a profit?


Teaching Math In 1980

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20 Your assignment: Underline the number 20.


Teaching Math In 1990

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the
question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)


Teaching Math In 2005

Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la producción es $80 .

Scarecrow, isn't that sad? The dumbing down of America as the saying goes.

Yes, Legal, it is sad, even if it is a joke. I guess you might say the joke is on us.

I dont know what school district this joke is based on but if anything the questions I get in my classes are harder then the 1950 question. Algebra is 10x harder then anything on that list.

I think this is like second grade stuff.