[jmeagan]

The whole problem started with the new math back in the 60’s. The old rote learning methods worked very well for years. Just look at an 8th grade math test from back about 1920.

Also the “feel good” idea of passing everyone along and giving most students A's and B's hurts our overall education. Students take home report cards filled with A's and B's, when they are actually falling further and further behind.

[ryan125]

Memorization has absolutely no place at all in mathematics.

[Lancey Howard]

The whole problem started with the new math back in the 60’s.

That is precisely correct. I happened to be about two years ahead of "new math" while my younger brother caught the first wave, and I still remember my parents' disgust with it. "New math" was a disaster for my brother.