A Question of Values

A poster on Edwize complained that I was too harsh on our illustious mayor. "Oldpro" continued:

High School was Algeba, Geometry, and Intermediate Algebra for as far back as I can remember. The one day along comes Sequential Math 1m 2 and 3. New Books, Curriculum, Teacher Training, etc. Now it has been announced that in 2 years it is back to Algebra, Geometry and Intermediate Algebra. Now we need New Books, Curriculum, Teacher Training etc.

Then schools offer the pre algebra, 2 year algebra course and this completes the ACADEMIC math requirement.
Speak about vocational training, after 12 years of math, many students can not compute their hourly earnings,write a check, keep a checkbook or even make change of dollar...

I’ve seen kids in high school who couldn’t read, and I’ve seen this problem passed on, shrugged off, and treated as though it meant little or nothing. I’ve also discovered that NYC has no program whatsoever to deal with these kids, and that many, many teachers can go entire semesters without detecting this problem.

I do not blame Bloomberg for everything. Still, the problems we mentioned don't seem near as important to him as, say, sports stadiums for needy billionaires.

Anyone called "oldpro" ought to know that it’s vital programs be changed every few years so that millions of textbooks can be sold at list price to schools all over the country.

While you can buy a $30 book at Costco for 17 bucks, the city pays full cover price. It's certainly true lower prices could be negotiated for a huge volume buyer like NYC. But canny Mayor Bloomberg finds savings elsewhere, with the highest class sizes in the state, the lowest standard for teachers, and, consequently, the lowest teacher salaries in the area.

There are lots of ways to save money.