CHRIS ARDIS: Extended math requirements don't equal smarter students
I ran into a local fast-food restaurant to get a salad. The total was $5.52. I handed the cashier $11.02 because I didn't want $1 bills or pennies. He looked at me and said, "Ma'am, the total was $5.52."
"Yes, I know," I responded.
He stood still, eyebrows nearly pressed together, his nose curled up. "But what am I supposed to do with this?" he asked, pointing to the money I had given him. "I punched in $10 so I don't know what to give you back."
"My change is $5.50," I told him.
"Five dollars and fifty cents?" he asked, the puzzled look stuck on his face.
"Yes," I said. "Five dollars and 50 cents."
I got my change and my salad and went to my car. So many kids don't know how to make change if they don't have a calculator or an electronic cash register, I thought. Now the state has added an additional year of math onto their graduation requirements.
Beginning with the class of 2011, the state of Texas is requiring all students graduating under the recommended plan (which means the majority of graduates) to take Algebra I and II, geometry and an additional math class higher than Algebra II. I wonder if that additional higher level math class will result in students having the mathematical skills to make change without using equipment?
Ask high school students today what 10 percent of 50 is and many don't know. Ask them to take their grades from the first two six weeks and determine what they need to score the third six weeks and on their semester exam to pass, to earn an A or a C, and most haven't a clue. But the state wants them to take a fourth level of math, higher than Algebra II.
Is this reasonable or unreasonable? I have gone back and forth on this since the decision was made. Our students definitely need more developed math skills, but is this the answer?
It's sad how many students today hate math. Why? Is it because math is so TAKS-focused?
What if a student plans to become an English teacher? Does he need four years of high school math? What if the student's goal is to be a speech therapist, a social worker or a professional artist? Is four years of math necessary for all students, regardless of their career goals?
The state also added a fourth year of science to the graduation requirements, bringing the total number of credits needed to 26, more than any other state in the nation. In 2008, Texas ranked 46th in the country on the SAT. Do we think that adding more credits will equal higher scores?
Perhaps the powers that be should look at strengthening the curriculum from kinder through 12th-grade. Has anyone in the state thought about that?
