How Extreme Has The Dumbing Down Of America Become? (This article barely scratches the surface, imo.)

Posted by freedomforall 1 year, 10 months ago to Government
10 comments | Share | Flag

Excerpt:
"When I was growing up, kids would start learning algebra before they even got to high school.

But these days many of our college students can’t even handle algebra. In fact, the Kansas Board of Regents is actually considering dropping algebra as a requirement at the state’s six public universities because so many students are failing the basic algebra course…I have an idea.

Instead of having our college students deal with hard stuff like quadratic equations, perhaps we can just design a course where they just watch videos of Count von Count from Sesame Street count things.

Or will that be too difficult for them?

If we aren’t teaching our high school kids the basic math skills that they will need once they get to college, what are they actually learning?"
SOURCE URL: http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/how-extreme-has-the-dumbing-down-of-america-become-you-might-want-to-brace-yourself-for-this-one/


Add Comment

FORMATTING HELP

All Comments Hide marked as read Mark all as read

  • Posted by $ 25n56il4 1 year, 10 months ago
    When I went to high school, you took Algebra I and II. (Freshman and Sophomore years). I admit to being in a coma the entire time. I was an "A" student. I was offered a scholarship to the U of Texas and Rice Institute. Turned them both down and went into the job market. Never looked back. Would you believe I went to work for an Actuary? I had no idea what that was except I read his file and learned he was some sort of mathematical genius. And I went to work for him? Yep. For nine years. He once said, 'How can anyone as smart as you, be unable to work a calculator? That dumb thing had a zillion keys on it! I responded 'I don't have to be able to work a calculator, that's your job and you can't take shorthand 120 wpm or type 95 wpm with no errors! Touche'
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by $ Markus_Katabri 1 year, 10 months ago
    This right here: “ In the years ahead, we will have lots of young people that don’t understand math and science, but at least they will be well versed in the intricacies of modern pronoun usage.”

    But, they’ll be sure to refer to themselves as “The most EDUCATED electorate”. Even though they can’t keep the lights on. Or the shelves stocked.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
  • Posted by mccannon01 1 year, 10 months ago
    Algebra, like geometry, are courses that do more than math. They teach the student how to think and make correct decisions based on evidence. As the American populace moves towards serfdom/slavery there is no need to think so these courses are superfluous.

    On packaging one used to see "Made In The USA", then it became "Engineered in the USA, Made in China (or wherever)", now there's a lot of "Made in China (or wherever)" with no need for American engineering. Therefore, very little need for American engineers.
    Reply | Mark as read | Best of... | Permalink  
    • Posted by 1 year, 10 months ago
      Being able to do Algebra made me the programmer that every company wanted instead of my competition.
      They didn't know that was the reason, but applying algebra was a secret to some of my best programs.
      Damn, now the secret is out.
      Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
      • Posted by mccannon01 1 year, 10 months ago
        Yes, indeed, although high school geometry was the course that developed my logical thinking the most. My teacher was a Korean American, who was really a genius who knew how to teach. That made me the successful programmer I became. My first stab at algebra was in a class full of clowns and a teacher that was drunk most of the time and I didn't do well. I decided to take it again and aced it with no problems - 99% on the Regents final - not bad!
        Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  
        • Posted by 1 year, 10 months ago
          I enjoyed Algebra and I think it was because the Math teacher the year before prepared us well.
          He would ask us a question and always followed up after we answered with "why?"
          He forced us to think and to understand.
          The first course algebra teacher was decent, but he became Guidance Counselor right after that course.
          The 2nd algebra teacher was very experienced, too, and knew the material and taught it well. Tough grader, too.
          Reply | Mark as read | Parent | Best of... | Permalink  

FORMATTING HELP

  • Comment hidden. Undo