A Critical Look at Reform Math

First, there was New Math, which everyone said was a failure. So the educators went back to their labs and came up with Reform Math. But the public knew this was just the same old stuff, and called it ýNew New Mathý to show contempt. A more accurate title might be Muddled Math.

Reform Math is actually an umbrella term for a dozen programs such as Connected Math, Everyday Mathematics, MathLand, TERC, etc. What they have in common is an inability to teach math. (And theyýre very expensive.) By my analysis, these programs incorporate a lot of unproven fads, while scorning traditional methods that are known to work. Across the country, millions of hours are wasted while parents fight school systems over these counterproductive strategies. Thereýs a lot of anger out there.

Parents complain that their children are not taught even basic arithmetic. Students reach college unable to multiply 6 x 7 without a calculator. Math scores continue to fall, which is a major threat to the American economy.

What is to be done? On YouTube an educator in New Jersey foolishly declares: ýWe canýt go back.ý I think heýs wrong. We can go back. The sooner the better. When allowed to choose, most parents prefer a solid foundation, such as that provided by Saxon Math or Singapore Math. The proper sequence is basics first, then a smooth progression toward more sophisticated materials. Reform Mathýs sin is that it creates a big hodge-podge, and children end up more confused than educated.

Reform Math loves instructional gimmicks. Constructivist Theory says that children have to invent everything for themselves. Group Learning says that children must work in groups, guaranteeing that students canýt do independent work. Fuzzy Math says that correct answers donýt matter; itýs the process of looking for answers that is important. No Memorization says that children should remain empty-headed. Self Esteem says donýt teach much, donýt correct much, donýt expect much...Stir all this stuff together, and itýs not surprising that American kids arenýt good at math.

The main sophistry that sustains this whole charade is that children are learning to ýthink critically about math.ý Even if they canýt multiply or divide. Please! Weýre talking about very young children. If they donýt master basic arithmetic, they will feel alienated from math altogether. This ýcritical thinkingý business is perhaps the silliest of the fads. Children who know nothing are hailed as ýcritical thinkers.ý

My feeling is that Reform Math is emblematic of a larger problem in American education. Thereýs a lot of make-believe, a lot of pretending. We see books, classes, endless projects, some homework, grades, tests. From a distance you might think that children are being educated. Then you consider the fact that from K to 12, children are in school almost 12,000 hours, but they somehow reach graduation without learning very much. Ask them the simplest questions. Where is Japan on a map? How much is 8 times 7? Many wonýt know.

The US used to have the best-educated work force. Now we are in 10th place. Bogus math programs are arguably a big part of that decline. How are we going to get back to where we were? Doing so would be a big boost for our future.

The first part of the answer is to tell the truth. American educators seem more dedicated to dumbing down then smartening up. We canýt know motives. But we can surely agree that dumbed-down is where a lot of students end up!

The best you can say, I think, is that the people behind Reform Math are inept. So-called experts should be ashamed of themselves. Letýs toss out all the fuzzy math programs, and make sure kids can add, subtract, multiply and divide, quickly and efficiently.

For more on this topic, please see ý36: The Assault on Mathý on Improve-Education.org.

Bruce Price, an author and artist, is waging a personal campaign to improve education in America. His flagship is Improve-Education.org. Also see ý37: Whole Word versus Phonics,ý a comparison chart that quickly explains why Phonics is superior.

Why Is Math Crucial To Your Kids' Future?
If you are good in math, then you are blessed with lots of career choices that you can get into. Having math skills will enable you to make more money and save you tons of it when it comes to paying for your living expenses. Here is how...

Challenges with Integrated Math
While most Math tutors and parents were taught Mathematics by using traditional method such as memorization, the Integrated Math teaches math in a real-life context.

Football-Themed Math Competition
Solving pre-calculus and calculus problems based on the physics, geometry and ratios of football at the Numbers Crunch high school math competition.

Unfolding Mysteries Using Trigonometry
High School kids are taught to use Trigonometry to figure out how weapons were used at the crime scene.

Family math night gives good game
BY JACI CONRAD-PEARSON, Black Hills Pioneer According to Math Recovery teacher and event organizer Pam Smith, "The first grade teachers were great in ...
Black Hills Pioneer, SD

Math is more than numbers
"Beginning math is boring, let's not pretend otherwise," said Devlin, executive director of the university's Center for the Study of Language and ...
San Jose Mercury News, USA

Is Math Worth the Sacrifice
For ages and ages, the question has been "Is there any necessity to learn mathematics? I'll never use it in the practical world. My desire is to be a fireman or a cowboy or a news reporter and they don't need to know what a number is. Technological progress makes it even more difficult.

Do Your Kids a Favor - Take Away the Calculator
The kids of today are so different from those of only a generation ago. Heck. I'm quite computer literate and am pretty good with electronic gadgets, but I can't even place a close second to my two kids' ability with video games and other technological toys. Yet this ability with gadgets has placed our children at a disadvantage as well. You see. They have come to lean too heavily on the electronic calculator, and this dependency has severely weakened their ability in math.

Helping Parents to Build Mathematicians
Real math has almost nothing to do with what is taught in schools. Far too much time is spent teaching children numeracy when they should be learning mathematics. Children are bored by repetitive lessons that turn them off and stop them from acquiring the real mathematical thinking skills that will set them up for the rest of their lives. However a teacher from Worcestershire is bucking this trend, and helping parent to build the mathematicians of the future.

Getting a Tutor - What to Check and Beware Of?
You have just confirmed to hire a tutor from the tuition agency. On the day of the tuition, the private tutor arrives at your doorstep. After welcoming him/her home, what should you as the parent be doing?

Why Is Math Crucial To Your Kids' Future?
If you are good in math, then you are blessed with lots of career choices that you can get into. Having math skills will enable you to make more money and save you tons of it when it comes to paying for your living expenses. Here is how.

Learning Math and Loving It with Manipulatives and Games
When we think about methods for teaching children math, the first things that probably come to mind are flash cards, repetition and memorization, pie charts, workbooks, and the like. But one method you may not have thought of, or even heard of, is the use of educational manipulatives and games.

Mathematical Myths
Math anxiety has been the concern of most students. Staring at blank papers, constant head scratching, and shaky hands – these are the usual scenarios in a person that is having problems with math. It has been the mission of math educators to present math in the easiest way possible. Aside from the usually tedious “teaching method,” more and more techniques and modes are being presented to students for them to like math.

Algebra for Beginners - Tips To Become An Algebra Star
Many people are kind of weak in the area of algebra mathematics. A lot of them read books, attend lessons and research the web to find information, interactive lessons and websites that could help them improve their algebra skills. Interactive learning (e.g. online courses) is far more fun and entertaining than reading algebra books. But can interactive learning alone help you become an algebra star?

Do You Hate Trigonometry?
For avid haters of trigonometry, this article defends trigonometry by showing how easy it is to work your way through understanding and applying trigonometric identities. The tips given in this article will help students take the first step towards being someone who isn't bothered with trigonometry

Mental Math, Making Math Fun!
New online tutoring service makes solving complex math problems simple!

Algebracadabra - Math Shortcuts to Algebra Mastery
Probably the most important fundamental branch of mathematics is algebra. No matter what anyone tells you folks, if your kid is not good at algebra, there is no shot that he will excel in any of the higher branches. In fact, the famous calculus is really a form of "glorified" algebra and this is what I used to tell my high school students all the time. Therefore, if you want your kids to have a chance to study and enter the beautifully intellectual realm of the calculus, then be sure that they have the tools to master algebra.

How To Choose A Math Tutor In New York
Sometimes the regular school classroom, for a variety of reasons, does not sufficiently improve a student's math skills and achievements. In this situation a math tutor can bring a new perspective to the learning experience that can make the difference between a passing and a failing grade.

Calculus: The Science of Fluxions
The science of fluxions was Sir Isaac Newton's terminology for the new field of science known today as calculus. Newton and German mathematician Leibnitz appear to have discovered the principles of calculus in about the same time; but Leibnitz published his work first. For years, there was friction between the two countries, England and Germany regarding which country was to take credit for the discovery of calculus.

Teach Your Kids Algebra: The Quadratic Formula
When I first saw the quadratic formula, I was amazed that there existed such a thing no less a way to derive this elegant formula. For those who remember, this formula gives a sure-fire way of getting the solution to those things we call quadratic, or second-degree equations, in mathematics. For many students, this formula is a nightmare of grand proportions and its mastery seems no more probable than striking it rich with the lottery. However, with some novel techniques and some different approaches, the mastery of this formula—which provides a linchpin to understanding algebra on a deeper level—becomes a walk in the park.

Hey, Who Said You Couldn't Do Math? - It's All in Your Head
So you think you can't do math, huh? Well, what if I told you that without even an algebra background I could teach you some calculus right here and now? You don't believe me. I thought so. This unbelief proves how programmed you've been from early on to reject mathematical teachings. Whoever laid this negativity on you really did a number on you. Well, let’s get rid of that negative programming and feed you some really positive stuff.