---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 06:50:14 -0500 From: Sandy Berger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Math Within, 2002 January
Mr. Mechtly, I personally concur with your feelings that teaching metric units is essential for US students to be competitive in an international world. I remember this same discussion going on in the USA since the seventies. At one time, it was even stated by our policymakers that within five or ten years (I don't remember which) the US would be completely metric. That has not happened, due to large opposition from some obviously influential factions of the population. If and when the American public is ready for this change, there will be a transition time where both systems will be taught/used. One only has to look as far as an automobile speedometer to see that this blending is happening. NCTM is responsive to the educational needs of students everywhere, including the US. We support the teaching of both systems. That means publishing articles, submitted by our readers, that feature either or both systems. We appreciate your viewpoint. Perhaps you would be interested in writing an article that reinforces why our country should switch to just a metric system. It could serve to keep the issue moving forward. Thanks for your comments and for your interest in our journals. I'll be looking for that article! Sandy Dr. Sandra (Sandy) L. Berger Managing Editor for School Journals NCTM 1906 Association Drive Reston, VA 20191-1502 ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) (703/620-9840/2192)
