Introduction and General Comments

                Many of the reports explains why mathematics matters,why  is it important that we produce young people who are good at mathematics and why it has become incresingly urgent that we address the problems with mathematics education.It is generally agreed that mathematics is a critical skills for all.

                Mathematics is also important  as a sschool subject because not only is it needed for the sciences ( Norris,2012),but  it also provides access to undergraduate cources in,for example; engineering.psychology,sciences (Norris,2012).Theee argument is made that mathematics  and in particular statistics,is important and even for non STEM subjects st university (ACME<2011a;British Academy,2012;Porkess.2012).

The main argument for the importance of mathematics,however,fall into three further areas:

1.Mathematics is a core skill for all adults in life generally.

                LIKE FOR EXAMPLE; Without statistical understanding citizens,voters and consumers cannot play a full part.To call politicians.media and business to account,we need the skills to know when spurious arguments are being advanced(p.7).

2.A mathematically well educated population will contributeto countries economic prosperity;and

                It is assumed that the country wants to remain competitive in the world economy and suggested that “mathematics is crucial for economic development and for technical progress”(ACME.2011b,p.4).

3.Mathematics is important  for its own sake.

By: Catherine G. Aquino