Make math interesting

To the editor:

The issues regarding education in America nave finally reach a point where we might see some results. I’m the parent of two boys in middle school. They enjoyed elementary school because they were taught basic applications relating to life in general, and they made new friends. Now in middle school, they show total lack of interest.

The apparent reason is middle school includes more serious identification with subjects, especially math. I noticed that although my sons both are having a difficult time with math, they do well in subjects such as computer education, science, physical education and the arts. The constant excuse stated by educators and lawmakers is that parents must help. That goes without saying, but unfortunately most failing students lack general schooling. If our school made math interesting, the results could be quite different.

My observation of how math is taught today is that it’s basically the same as 50 years ago. But now, with 40 students per class, a result of our limited budget, teachers cannot give the student the personal attention needed to comprehend the subject. As a result, the child becomes disinterested and resigns himself to, “I guess it’s just me and I’ll never learn it, so why bother to try.”

The solution to this serious problem: More math teachers, and a better application of the subject. In my effort to help my sons, I discovered they find math interesting if applied to the child’s interests. Also, blend math into the other subjects they like. Physical education is loaded with math principles, and so are the sciences. I’m looking forward to seeing some change.