He says it misses the mark under three basic principles. Skills that are used in other fields. Mathematics is the language of science. Without refined math skills, a student has little hope of learning any hard science, engaging in economic study, or performing responsible business analysis. Chemical reactions, physics formulas, or optimization calculations are meaningless or impossible without mathematical understanding and facility.
Mathematical study develops the mind s capacity for reasoned thought that crosses all subjects.
These principles, Zeliger believes, would push students to develop high-level math skills and advanced understanding. He points to other nations which have much greater math ability and success levels. The Third International Mathematics and Science Study supports Zeliger s claim. The study showed that while US students ranked in the top half of nations in the fourth grade, by the time they finished high school, they were nearly last in math achievement. Instead, he found teachers would rather push for more pedagogy and less mathematics in the document.