Mathematicians set Chinese test

Ok, maybe they aren’t comparing like to like in this article, but come on!

The British example is simply woefully easy, not to mention really unrealistic. The Chinese example is a more authentic question for many reasons.

I’ve long held that requirements for mathematics and science in the U.S. are really pathetic. Obviously, many in Britain have the same concerns.

I’m not one of those peopel who contend that we should foresake the many beneficial programs in schools that are not associated with the 3 R’s, but I do think that we need to evaluate what we consider acceptable in the pursuit of these subjects. When high school students are graduating with basic algebra and geometry classes, how can we expect to be competitive within our own country, much less with the rest of the world?

Dan

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