Since basic skills and computation have been

de-emphasized, naturally the proficiency levels of many children have decreased.

It logically follows that certain math concepts and abilities, when

addressed to a lesser and lesser extent in the classroom, will

wane in their perceived value and in the extent to which they are

learned to a competent level.

Enter calculators into the rationalization. Because of

modern technology, namely calculators and computers, children no

longer need to be proficient in pencil and paper skills. Why teach a skill

that a child can simply plug into a calculator and get the correct

answer?

This, you see, frees the child's mind up to do more

complex mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Formulas for

algebraic equations that most of us memorized and reproduced

on pencil and paper tests are now programmed into calculators

in middle and high school. Children no longer need to know how

to solve algebraic equations, hence, but rather how to program

their calculators with the correct formula.

In proceeding on with this rationalization, it seems that

over time, because children were using calculators to do math in

the classroom and on homework, it became very difficult to

show their work on standardized tests, such as SATs and College

placement tests. Without their calculators, children could not answer

the questions.

Enter test restructuring into the rationalization. Because

children were allowed to learn in the classroom using calculators, it

logically followed that they should be allowed to use them on

standardized tests.

This is a reality on many standardized tests in our country

today, including SATs and on many university placement tests.

But alas, this is not the case everywhere. Many institutions

of higher learning do not allow the use of calculators on their

entry-level placement tests. What do you suppose happens to the

children who do not know how to show their work on a pencil

and paper test?

Voila. You have just walked through the steps of a grand

rationalization which represents the "dumbing down" of

American children.

Try to envision yourself sitting in a classroom somewhere

having this rationalized discussion with some educator, and arguing

that you do not accept that for your child. Try to tell some

teacher, administrator, or test publisher that this rationalization is

not good enough for your child, and that you want your child to

know how to do math computation with pencil and paper, using the

ultimate calculator her brain.

This is happening as we speak in our own backyard. Some

parents, educators, and administrators have no problem with

using modern technology to free up the mind of a child to pursue

higher order thinking.

Other parents, educators, and administrators think that this

is not good enough. What do you think?

If you would like to join the Concerned Parents for a

Better Fayette Education group or message us your views, please

e-mail to: [email protected], or write to the address listed below.

Thank you to all of you who have signed our petition to

move up the math review process in Fayette County. Your support

and encouragement, as always, is greatly appreciated.

Amy Riley

146 Ardenlee

Peachtree City, GA 30269

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