Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington
In addition, carpenters and other trade people who have a strong understanding of arithmetic, geometry and algebra quickly move from minimum wage jobs to positions with excellent pay, sometimes well into the six figures. Lawyers aren’t exempt either. They must keep track of hours and handle billing, tasks that require arithmetic and algebra. Success in the art world demands considerable business savvy and the ability to handle arithmetic, geometry and algebra. One artist lost a lucrative commission, because he did not know how to use math to get the images of two paintings to line-up.
The tragedy is kids are getting the wrong signals from our society. We are quick to tell a teacher there is too much homework when a child has to spend 20 minutes working on math problems.
However, if a coach or dance instructor asks a child to spend an hour practicing a particular move, we are fully supportive. According to Emily Krauser in Athletes Balance Prospects of Professional Sports, Professional Careers, only about 13 in 10,000 high school athletes go on to a professional career. In addition, very few people make an adequate living in the performing arts. For those who “make it”, long-term success requires a good understanding of math as most earnings occur within a few years and must be allocated over a lifetime.
If everyone needs math skills to succeed, what has happened to our priorities? First, we believe there are many careers that do not require math for success. In the information age, this viewpoint is a fallacy. Second, we fear math and believe it is unreasonable to expect our children to learn it.
Fortunately, math is not difficult. Like reading and athletics, it requires little but clear instruction, repetition and hard work. Most mathematical concepts, including algebra and calculus, can be taught in very simple, straightforward ways. So rather than trying to teach math theory, encourage your children to use math to solve everyday problems.
Most importantly, don’t short-change your children. Please convey to them that math is important and make learning math a priority in your daily schedule. It is worth the extra time and focus. After all, good math skills are a prerequisite to a bright future.
Juliann Talkington is the Administrator of the Panama City Renaissance School (www.pcrschool.org). Reach her at jtalkington@pcrschool.org or 850-215-8712.