The criticism is directed at new ways of learning math that include games and hands-on experiments. Critics claim students never master basic skills under new math instruction, reports the paper. According to the paper, even some members of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the group credited with introducing new math techniques in 1989, are skeptical. Critics also condemn the reliance on calculators for computation, especially for younger children. I would rather spend class time doing other math.
Some parents denounce new math instruction out of fear of the unknown, reports the paper.
Many educators respond that they need to do a better job reaching out to parents to explain the new concepts. But we do realize that we haven't done a good job of telling them what we're changing and why. Nuttall and Barbara Kelly, a sixth-grade math teacher in McLean, Va., both noted their schools' inclusion of traditional teaching methods, including timed tests on multiplication tables, division and fractions. Vocal prayer, Bible devotionals, distribution of religious materials and discussions of a devotional nature are included in the ban. Under the ruling, prayer is not permitted at commencements, but students are allowed to give brief thanks to God at graduation.