This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Pro Con

George E. Andrews, a Penn State University math professor, says kids must learn fractions.

It would be a tragedy to stop teaching fractions. It is true that fractions are no longer essential in elementary calculations. Instead of slogging through the steps to find that 1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6, it is much easier to let your calculator do the work. If finding the answer were the only reason to teach fractions, then we could easily drop them. However, the point of learning fractions is to provide a basis for mastering more advanced math, including algebra and calculus. If students want the option of going into a technical or scientific career, then they will need to understand fractions. Do we really want kids to close the door on a number of career options before they leave elementary school?

Dennis DeTurck, a University of Pennsylvania math professor, says decimals are better.

Math is important in many professions. So why do I believe we should delay teaching fractions, or even do away with them altogether? In our modern world, we rarely see fractions. Calculations with decimals are more natural for machines. And dollars and cents pervade everyday life. Many of us are concerned about students' math achievement. In the early grades, children are generally good at math. They see how it can help them understand the world. But when kids study fractions, their interest wanes, and so does their performance. I don't mind words like half and quarter. But why spend your time working out that 3/5 + 5/7 = 46/35? Let's rethink how we teach math, and put fractions in their proper place.

Next: The Battle Goes On