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“That's what algebra is...its English grammar”.

Not much of a selling point for the grammar-phobes among us. :o>

From what I've observed, many people (myself included) have far more difficulty with the "verbal thinking" side of the educational equation than with the mathematical side. It's the rare person who excels equally at both. It may have something to do with being wired to think more in pictures and symbols than in language. The ability to become a skillful verbal communicator requires a particular type of mental wiring that not everyone is born with.

I think for all of these educational skills all it takes it practice. My father starting at the 4th grade had me work every problem at the end of each math book chapter over and above whatever was assigned as homework.(I seem to remember the odd problems had answers at the back of the book!) With a willingness to learn and practice K-12 Math can be mastered to a level to at least get through it with a C or better in high school! We are not talking about reaching a Nash or Hawking level of mathematical performance.

Why do liberal educators think that practice in sports and music is good but homework (i.e. practice !) in academic subjects is bad?

I did something similar with my daughter as to what my father did with me, the TV didn't go on until homework was done and done to my satisfaction. Meaning it was correct! I sat at the dining room table with her or in her room at her desk until the standard was met. In elementary school my daughter's performance was "so-so" but by doing the above around middle school a light clicked on with her. She started thinking , ' Hey I like being known as smart!' Also by doing the homework right away rather then argue about it she found out she actually had more time for play. Which resulted in time for social activities, cheerleader, sports e.g., Tae Kwon Do - 2nd degreee Black Belt, etc.

She graduated from college with a dual major in Chemistry and Physics, minors in Math and Classics and is now working on her PhD in Chemical Engineering.