There’s a math problem that no one has been able to solve: Far
too many students in the United States give up on math early. To them, the
subject does not come easy, or they think you must have natural math ability to
become really “good” at it. In contrast, students in most other countries
accept that math can be challenging. They realize that motivation and perseverance
is what it takes to learn difficult material.
Math skills add up to great futures. Research shows those
who take challenging math courses in high school get better jobs and earn more
money throughout their entire lives—regardless of family background, grades and
college degrees.
American employers are demanding advanced math skills. A
little over half of all U.S. occupations require a significant level of
knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and their
applications. One study found that the math skills required by electricians,
construction workers, upholsterers and plumbers match what’s necessary to do
well in college courses.
Companies like ExxonMobil
and Texas Instruments are involved in
initiatives to recruit prepared students to careers in their companies. Read
more about how leading corporations are making headway at changetheequation.org.
So let’s work together to inspire more of our Mesquite ISD
students in math. Let’s don’t accept it when students say they are “bad at
math.” Instead, let’s ensure they do their daily homework and use all the
resources available to help them improve their skills. Remember, the payoff can
be incredible.
Please share positive strides in math skills in your student
or math education.
