Math, along with all subjects, is a major problem all over Alaska as well as every one of the other 49 states. Going to school in the 1930s and ’40s was much different than today. We were in school from 8 a.m. till the 4 p.m. buzzer rang; math was a major subject almost every year of school that we attended. I personally feel the teachers are not as well qualified today as before.

My wife had an experience while shopping, She had items that amounted to $2.72. A young lady was checking her out. My wife handed her three one-dollar bills and two pennies. The girl could not figure out the change and called for help. This person was no help either. Then my wife said her change should be one quarter and a nickel; by this time the girl was crying. Not a good recommendation for the teachers of math today.

— Paul D. Morrison

Kenai