Letter: Math proficiency tests should focus on practical skills

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 | 9:06 a.m.

The large number of high school seniors who fail to pass the math portion of the proficiency test continues to frustrate parents, lawmakers and many others in the community.

In the past a criticism was that students had not been taught the subject matter on which they were being tested. I suggest a remedy that may help to positively address the problem. The test should be reformulated to place less emphasis on the abstract portions needed by those students who plan to attend college, and more emphasis on practical skills needed, particularly by those who are entering the real business world upon graduation.

This, of course, would require that these life skills be included in the high school curriculum. This would make the proficiency requirements more practical, more meaningful and less stressful.

CHARLES B. LEWIS

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