[ClearCase_guy]

I find it interesting that 50% fail algebra, and 60% fail English -- presumably their native language!

Yes, parents should do better. But the schools do not carry their load. Teaching this stuff (for basic competency) ISN'T hard -- I've done it. But the teachers focus on hair-brained theories and just don't make the kids do the work. It's pitiful.

I support vouchers so that the parents who care, and the teachers who want to make a difference, can congregate in private schools -- away from unions and government intrusion.

[Jim Noble]

Again, you are making the assumption (completely novel in human history) that algebra competecy is "basic" and, given the correct inputs, can be learned by 100% of the high school age population.

This is nonsense. There is nothing basic about algebra, which introduces and to a degree develops the ability to abstract concrete concepts.

Many adults are incapable of intellectual abstraction, not because their education was deficient, but because they are stupid.

In 1941 about 25% of the (all white) 18 year olds in the Army were capable of graduation from high school. This is probably close to the native rate of twelfth-grade intellectual ability.

In Maryland, if 40% of 18 year olds can do HS level math, that's actually pretty good (of course, the test is probably really 4th grade level).

[milan]

Teaching this stuff (for basic competency) ISN'T hard -- I've done it. But the teachers focus on hair-brained theories and just don't make the kids do the work. It's pitiful.

My 7 year old daughter told me the other day that Mrs. Whoever told her that Jesus was born in Mexico. My daughter knew better, that is why she told me. No, I didn't call the school. My kids go to public scholl, but my wife and I teach them after school.

[sawyer]

But how can the parents help? Most are working.I went to summer camp as a kid and we learned a lot. even had to take Fr. but I do not think day care takes the place of a mother and father.That was also only 8 weeks as my mother ran a summer business. That would have been bad as a 12 months thing. I understand this is not the problem with math but with education of children in general.

[sawyer]

But how can the parents help? Most are working.I went to summer camp as a kid and we learned a lot. even had to take Fr. but I do not think day care takes the place of a mother and father.That was also only 8 weeks as my mother ran a summer business. That would have been bad as a 12 months thing. I understand this is not the problem with math but with education of children in general.

[upier]

Your assumtion is that english is their native language. GA has a big problem with illegal Mexicans.