A group of 60 UW professors has put out the following statement:
We the undersigned faculty in math, science and engineering at the University of Washington have become increasingly concerned about the declining level of math competency of students entering the university. Many students arrive with poor mastery of essential mathematical skills, such as algebra, manipulation of fractions, trigonometry, and basic mathematical operations. Increasing numbers of students are forced to take math remediation courses after admission to the UW. Over the past decade many of us have lowered the mathematical levels of our courses as math skills have declined. We believe that it is essential that steps be taken to ensure that Washington State students are provided with world-class mathematics standards, curricula, and instruction.
In an article by Andrew Doughman THE DAILY of the University of Washington writes:
Some UW students claim the state’s math curriculum has inhibited their education.
“Washington education systems in public schools are questionable,” said freshman Avery Hilliard, a student in a remedial math class. “My high school was trying to phase out a certain math program, leaving transfer students like me in weird math pathways [between integrated and traditional algebra].”
Other students believe high school math curriculum is not entirely to blame for what Mass claims is the degradation of students’ math abilities.
“I wouldn’t necessarily blame it on their high school math instructors,” said math tutor Charlene Reyes, a senior in electrical engineering.
“People get nervous about subjects they are unfamiliar with.”
The question is, why are students unfamiliar with math after 12 or 13 years of schooling?
