We have seen much hand-wringing and concern in the news these past weeks with regard to the low scores posted on the WASL exams. I have to wonder, though, if there is anyone knowledgeable of the details of these failures. It is always referred to as “math.” To me, that encompasses everything from simple arithmetic, multiplication tables, long division, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus and beyond.
Back in my high school days at Bremerton I had a year each of algebra and plane geometry, and a semester each of advanced algebra, solid geometry and triganometry by the time I graduated. I believe there were also classes in accounting for those interested in other fields.
In the subsequent 64 years I’m sure there have been changes to the teaching of mathematics but without some additional insight as to the specific weaknesses, how is one to expect that an additional class in the senior year will make a difference? Surely all of these low scores are not the result of a lack of understanding in a single field of “math.”
Frank Leathley
Mill Creek
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