Do you agree ?

[cateyes1]

 
Last week I purchased a burger at a fast food restaurant 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. While he tried to explain the
 transaction to her, she stood there and cried.

Why do I tell you this? Because of the evolution in teaching math since the
 1950s:
 
1. Teaching Math In 1950s
 
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5
 of the price. What is his profit?
 
2. Teaching Math In 1960s
 
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?
 
3. Teaching Math In1970s
 
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is
 $80. Did he make a profit?
 
4. Teaching Math In 1980s
 
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.
 
5. Teaching Math In 1990s
 
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, and if you feel like crying, it's ok. )
 
6. Teaching Math In 2009
 
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la
 producciones es $80. Cuanto
 dinero ha hecho?
 
7. Teaching Math In 2013
 Who cares, just steal the lumber from your rich neighbor's property. He
 won't have a gun to stop you, and it's OK anyway cuz it's redistributing
 the wealth.

[BlackSheepNY]

Unfortunate, but true...

[patti4me]

Funny I should see this here; the other day my brother sent me an email with this in it.  It is sad that things in our schools have gotten where they are this day and time and I don't know what it would take to fix it but it definitely needs fixing.  We have a daughter who is a teacher in a different part of the state and her husband is a teacher/coach too.  I forwarded the email to her too. 

[AmberCampbell1987]

Ya I agree!

[kingozzy]

People are just lazy sometimes too, too much work to go the extra mile for people.  The ones that do are keepers

[crazyzoo]

oh so true sad but true .............kids are not taught to do math

[lkeys81]

I agree on that.

[handllucas]

That is an excellent way to demonstrate the 'dumbing' down of the American Education System.

[ben50]

they dont have time to teach anymore
 

 

[g0ku4life]

When I worked retail sometimes I would just be brain-dead from all the repeating button mashing that simple calculations seemed difficult after I inputted the numbers in the register. Didn't happen ALL the time, however it is people that just randomly throw change at you when they get the same coins back is what throws you off. Thank God I got out of that crap.

[bobes915]

Thanks for sharing this. 

[lynnc35]

they better start teaching these kids something because if they don't know algerhthyms they are going to need to know how to count change and I don't even know if I spelled that word right. lol doubt it.

[sdecaro558]

Disagree.  I've been through the public school system in the 90's, they aren't that bad yet.  The problem isn't necessarily the material or the person teaching, but a lack of motivation from the one learning.

[brum7814]

I'm pretty sure a farmer or 'rich neighbor' is going to have multiple guns as his disposal. =-P

[plennis]

The parents have to be involved.  You get short changed on your education if you and your family allow it.  In Southern California they have finally (because we demanded it) decided if you don't know English, you don't go into the regular classes.  You go into a class with others and are immersed in English for a time.  Then you will actually get something out of the English speaking classes, and you will not be holding back the other students.  The first 15 minutes of after school day care is relax time, then they have 45 minutes to do homework with tutors to help them in what ever subject they need.  I know this is only one aspect of the problem, but I think we are going in the right direction.   We have also 1 night every week or every other week where you can go in to learn just what the children are learning, so you can help them at home.