Teaching Math, K-12

Another Sunday and yet another irrelevant, simplistic and counterproductive diatribe from the pen of David [Klein], Cal State Northridge math guru (“Governing Schools,” Letters to the Valley Edition, Feb. 28). He continues to demonstrate a woeful lack of sophistication in understanding the problems faced by contemporary students struggling to succeed in mathematics.

Cutesy little comments such as “touchy, feely” and “scrambled-eggs . . . mathematics” are not amusing or accurate. They certainly do not enlighten the serious professional discussions that need to take place as we move into the 21st century, where students might very well need to know how to use a calculator.

Dr. David may mean well, but his inflexible and reactionary opinions demonstrate a complete lack of insight. He might better use his expertise at the college level (Lord knows, they’re far from perfect) and leave K-12 education to those who have made lifetime commitments to serve all the students of our district.

JAMES DUNLAP, MIKE O’SULLIVAN, Los Angeles