To the Editor:
We need good PR in Education and even more so in Math Education. The front page article with "The Loser Has to Do Math" could be retitled "Loser Gets to Learn Math and Loves the Challenge" to inspire people to learn rather than normalize negative feelings about Math.
We, as a nation, can raise our SAT scores along with knowledge, skills and attitude by developing a positive outlook on testing. This could prepare students for college and greatly reduce remediation while helping people realize that studying improves one's mind just as marathon training boosts fitness.
A 2009 WSJ article on the SAT inspired me to retake the exam but it also had a glum view of testing with the phrase "the terrifying experience of the SAT" (
http://online.barrons.com/article/SB124337711110856009.html). I prepared by doing actual old exams from the College Board book and was able to raise my old 1980 verbal score by over 200 points. This did away with 3 decades of thinking "I am just a Math person" and furthered my belief in the power of self-improvement and the ability to influence one's own future.
Please consider how the Wall Street Journal which often publishes caring and insightful pieces on education can help students, parents, teachers and society view test taking as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Sincerely,
Robin A. Schwartz
Bronx NY
