Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 4, 2008 - 18:34.
I teach mathematics in a regional state university, therefore I deal mostly with the products of the regional public schools. My own experience is that the charges of "Nation At Risk" are still largely true.
The students are ill-prepared in basic high-school mathematics, indeed even in middle-school mathematics. (Some are unable to multiply 8 x 60.) Even worse, their study habits are abysmal: they seem unmotivated, regard classes as failed entertainment, and seldom prepare homework. (My remarks apply to the majority of students, not the few exceptions.)
The fact that no professional educators were included in the commissions that the author mentions is welcome. It's long overdue that the consumers of the public schools products, rather than its manufacurers, take charge of the educational establishment.
Remarks from a consumer of the public schools products
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 4, 2008 - 18:34.
I teach mathematics in a regional state university, therefore I deal mostly with the products of the regional public schools. My own experience is that the charges of "Nation At Risk" are still largely true.
The students are ill-prepared in basic high-school mathematics, indeed even in middle-school mathematics. (Some are unable to multiply 8 x 60.) Even worse, their study habits are abysmal: they seem unmotivated, regard classes as failed entertainment, and seldom prepare homework. (My remarks apply to the majority of students, not the few exceptions.)
The fact that no professional educators were included in the commissions that the author mentions is welcome. It's long overdue that the consumers of the public schools products, rather than its manufacurers, take charge of the educational establishment.