We should abolish the subject of mathematics in elementary school. Why? Because “mathematics” has become synonymous with arithmetic for many educators and parents. Problem solving, which should be at the heart of the classroom experience of mathematics is only given lip-service. Standard word problems are a travesty of convoluted logic and are diametrically opposite to the beautiful, clear thinking that we should be aspiring to. By abandoning the subject “Mathematics” we are not abandoning mathematics – just putting it where it belongs – as a tool to solve problems – as a majestic way to describe the world in pithy statements of poetry. E=MC^2 is poetry. It is meaningful poetry – as concise a description of our physical world as the most adroitly composed haiku is of the human heart.
Let’s Abolish Elementary Mathematics
