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Sept 24th, 1999 Tom J. Price Dear educational leader; Are you frustrated in teaching American students two systems of measurement? Would you like to simplify the math curriculum so that students could not only measure accurately but were also exposed to new math topics as well? Join with me in organizing the educational leaders from across this nation to change the United States to the metric system, once and for all. Why is now the time to switch? After all, metrics have been around for a while and several times people have tried over the years to convert. Here's why: 1. The Third International Math & Science Study (TIMSS) shows that American students perform far behind many of our competitors. One of the areas that has low scores: measurement! If we would switch to the metric system, our students would be on equal footing on all international tests. 2. With the extra time saved by not having to "double teach", math teachers could cover other math topics or go more in-depth in one topic. Throughout a thirteen year school career, our students would have more time to review necessary facts and explore new areas in math. 3. Teachers are overburdened! Among the items added to the daily routine: email, voice mail, web sites, graphics calculators, multiculturalism, standards, assessment, cooperative learning, school violence, etc.. When was anything ever taken out of the curriculum? Let's take the English system out. 4. International trade and communication continue to grow. With the Internet and other technology, our students are at a disadvantage when it comes to measurement. "Translating" measurements would no longer be a problem. 5. The economy is great. The federal and state governments are in a position to pick up the costs of retraining our population and retooling our industry. It would be tough for a few years, but now is better than trying to make a push during lean times. The federal government has been trying to lead the change to metrics since 1975 but has met considerable resistance. If we, as educational leaders, especially in the areas of math and science, would join with them, we could change the country and reap enormous benefits in the long run. I am looking towards next summer (2000) to have a conference in Lincoln. If this letter captures your attention and you would like to join forces, please give me a quick note on email. Trying to make America even better, Tom J. Price
This letter was sent to the following people: President Bill Clinton, President Richard W. Riley, Secretary Senator Bob Kerrey
Senator Chuck Hagel Representative Doug Bereuter Representative Bill
Barrett Representative Lee Terry
Governor Mike Johanns Senator Dennis Byars
Dr. Doug Christensen, Commissioner Deb Romanek, Math Consultant
Glenda Lappan, President Bob Chase, President
Duane Obermier, President Rick Simon, President
Emma Walton, President Beth Anderson, Teacher
Helen Banzhaf, Teacher Dr. Jim Johnson, Professor
Dr. Mel Thornton, Professor Dr. Al Arth, Professor
Dr. Jim Paige, Professor Dr. Liz Behrens, Professor
Dr. Monty Fickel, Professor
Also sent a letter to Bill Nye after
the CBS Sunday Morning program following the crash of the Mars observer.
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