I have some good news and some bad news for you.
- Bad News
It is said that the US ranks 25th among developed nations in student math skills. That seems about right based on what I have seen and what students have told me. The pathetic thing is that students from AS are, for the most part, unable to keep up in US schools. There are some exceptions but few teachers in AS are able to teach math effectively and students have no chance to acquire these essential skills from poorly equipped teachers.
- Good News
There is a solution available to all students and that solution is FREE. I am referring to Khan Academy. This is perhaps the most remarkable learning tool ever! It is so good that Bill Gates gave Khan $2M and a promise of more. Look at this vidoe to learn more and then go to the Khan Academy website to learn even more.
- Bad News
It might be difficult to watch video presentations on the slow internet services in AS. Millions of dollars have been spent to improve internet speeds in AS but speed increases don't seem to be getting to the consumer.
- Good News
The internet service providers are promising to make huge improvements very soon. Also, the improvements provided for in the ARRA funding received by ASTCA should be reaching the consumer by now. The erate services in the schools should be able to provide the kind of internet speeds necessary to take the frustration out of watching these videos.
- Conclusion
There are many educational services available on the internet and if AS is unable to take full advantage of them, this problem needs to be fixed.
Comments
Excellent