Have Mathematics Exams Become Easier?

Coryoth writes "The BBC is reporting on a recent study in the UK that found that the difficulty of high school level math exams has declined. The study looked at mathematics from 1951 through to the present and found that, after remaining roughly constant through the 1970s and 1980s, the difficulty of high school math exams dropped precipitously starting in the early 1990s. A comparison of exams is provided in the appendix of the study. Are other countries, such as the US, noticing a similar decline in mathematics standards?" Readers with kids in school right now may have the best perspective on changes in both teaching and testing methods -- what have you noticed?

Comments

Re:Pay teachers more

[Changa_MC]

...teachers unions and the fear of lawsuits make firing the awful ones nearly impossible. I call B.S. on that one. In my time teaching, I saw several bad teachers let go. Problem was, there wasn't anyone better to replace them.

Re:Pay teachers more

[steveo777]

Hell, I'd love a job where i work 8AM-2PM and roughly 180 days a year. 10 weeks off for summer and extra pay if you chose to work.

Other than the 10 weeks or so off in the summer, teachers don't really work that little. Most teachers I've known (including mine) put in around 10-12 hours per day and a good chunk on the weekends. Okay, any good teacher. Plus you have to add in all sorts of meetings and weekly side deals all over the place. Once you start doing any extra-curricular activities for your students you're pushing 60-70 hrs a week. No thanks.