Officials need to do the math

Re “Math problem,” editorial, July 9

It’s not often that I agree with a Times editorial; however, “Math problem” was pitch-perfect. As a public school teacher, I am astounded by how many students fail Algebra I.

The Times is right: Students pass to the next level without becoming proficient at lower levels, leaving elementary school without knowing their multiplication tables. Yet the real dummies aren’t students who keep failing algebra, but adults who make education policy.

Anyone who wants to help develop a nation of citizens who can do basic math: Go to The Times website, print out this editorial and send it to state Board of Education members.

Debra Craig

Moreno Valley

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The state’s mandate that eighth-grade students be tested for algebra skills is the perfect solution for solving the dropout rate in high schools. Now students with “the fear of x” (i.e. algebra) will drop out before they get to high school. This will surely improve high school dropout numbers.

When are we going to learn that one size does not fit all? We need to prepare our youth for future success with attainable education goals. Our high schools need to offer a basic core curriculum and a series of directional curricula, with college entrance being only one of these directions.

Rich Flynn

Huntington Beach

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Here we go again, forcing our students to be proficient in a subject most of them will never use again. Algebra serves no purpose for most occupations.

Algebra should be an elective for students who wish to become engineers, scientists and other professionals who actually might use arcane formulas. More effort should be placed on regular arithmetic, which is used by everyone every day.

Ron Lankford

Corona