I'm trying to figure something out about my son's teacher. This is one of those foibles about the public school system I wasn't really ready for. Teaching techniques have changed a LOT, apparently. I've heard complaints about the emphasis on phonics leading to an increase in an inability to spell among students, but thought that was something I could head off at the pass. But MATH?!

My son was working on some homework for first grade. Okay, he's pretty good at the stuff already. Until...

7 + 3 = 5

I asked my son how he came by that answer. He said his teacher taught his class to count the points on the numbers. For some numbers, I guess I can see how that would actually work. And according to that logic: two points on the seven; three points on the three. 2+3=5, therefore 7+3=5.

WTF???!!!

Is this another new math I wasn't told about? Are they teaching algebra in first grade now? Or is this math taking from the example given by Wall Street and the current stock market?

I can't imagine how this poor teacher could avoid being inundated with the calls from parents who get involved by "helping" their children with their homework. But how can we effectively help our children learn anything using these backward techniques? How can we support and back up a teacher who gives the wrong method for finding the answer to a simple math problem?

Now I have friends who are teachers. My MIL is a teacher. I'm bound to piss of somebody with my rant. And I know this is only the tip of the iceberg. I've got years of this ahead of me. Our financial situation is not ideal for homeschooling, nor do I have the temperament for it. But it seems first grade is a bit early to be having to deal with this stuff. And his school has the best reputation in town!

And to top it off, my DH is SERIOUSLY considering dropping school and going back to work. I'm of two minds on this. I want him to stay in school, because it's taken him so long to get a degree. I also wonder how long it would take, in today's world, to get a job.

But at the same time, with another baby on the way, we could use the money. And I could use an extra pair of hands at the end of the day. If he wasn't tied up on homework, he'd be a huge help.

I know how conflicted he is on this, because I'm certain he's feeling all of this, and more. Poor guy. Rocks and hard places, my ass!

Sigh. Someone get me a chocolate milkshake!