(...or shot at). It was about 11pm. I heard the shots (which are not unusual for this neighborhood), but this time they were pretty close, probably somewhere on our block or the next one. Then I heard somebody shouting F***********CK over and over, and then a car speeding away. This is why we teach.
Some statistics. Only 45% of African-Americans entering a 4-year college will graduate. Many drop out of college, and the single biggest obstacle is the math requirement. Students who leave high school prepared to fulfill their college math requirements are far more likely to earn their college diploma. According to a report from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities says, "Finishing a course beyond the level of Algebra II [in high school] more than doubles the chance that an entering college student will graduate."
http://www.ndus.nodak.edu/uploads/document-library/705/6E--HIGH-SCHOOL-COURSEWORK---AASCU.PDF
In contrast, students who get to college and get placed into a remedial math class have something like a 60% smaller chance of EVER receiving a college diploma.
It is the difference between legitimate economic options for our students and the life on our streets and prisons, which according to the sounds outside, is violent.
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Here here! (to the need for students to learn math). Welcome to the online world, Kevin :) Great entries!
I'm going to vouch that math is more important than Social Studies. Kinda.
-Pete
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