Quote(s) of the Week (November 2, 1997)

On That New Math...

"One popular textbook, ‘Secondary Math: An Integrated Approach; Focus on Algebra,’ begins by extolling the virtues of teamwork, offers the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights in three languages, mentions that in the future, computers will do all of our math computations for us, and asks the kids what role they suppose teamwork plays in conserving natural resources. The text then introduces characters named Taktuk, Esteban and Minh, who offer thoughts on life, environmentalism and such. But equations don’t show up until page 165."

 

--Mona Charen, nationally syndicated columnist. Washington Times for August 4, 1997. Page A16.