[MikeCT]

I'm sitting here today working through math homework for a pre-cal class and thinking about the america's problem thread and then about the attitude of some students in math courses. The first 2 classes of the course have been a review of the basic things we should know for the course. When the teacher was quickly going over a problem one student asks if partial credit will be given for only completing a certain part of the problem. The teacher's answer was yes partial credit is given. This has been the case for other math courses I have taken, partial credit on tests and quizes. Now I have most likely benefited from the partial credit a few times but I just don't agree with the practice. A good knowledge of mathematics is useful in many fields but most importantly the problem solving skills gained in basic mathematics courses, such as a pre-cal class, is the reason it is taught at all grade levels. What kind of standard is set when American students learn that they do not need the knowledge of completing an entire problem but will still earn credit for their half-a$$ed job? I haven't asked my father or grandfather if there was any partial credit when they were in school but I'm will to bet the answer is no. Why the change? The low standards (especially in math) for students in this country are a reflection of some larger problem(s) that exists in our culture. I think it stems from a complacent attitude. An "I tried so that counts" attitude rather than "I tried but I will do better" attitude. I think I'm starting to ramble so [/rant].