As a longtime teacher and teacher educator, I wish to congratulate Mrs. Mary Jordan for her insightful negative criticism on May 1 of the manner in which mathematics is taught at the school her child attends.

There doubtless is another thing wrong with this system.

In an article in the International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, I warn against the practice of trying to teach young students how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions (e.g., 1/3 - 1/4).

It is clear that this instruction should be delayed until students are enrolled in high school Algebra I, and need to know how to compute fractions.

Patrick Groff

Professor of Education Emeritus

San Diego State University

San Diego, Calif.