Jersey acts to toughen high school standards

This was the front page news in Today's Star Ledger, a fairly prominent paper. As per the story, governor Jon Corzine plans to beef up New Jersey high schools with more math and science. A good move, I say but what about the middle schools? The other day, I asked my son in 7th grade, a simple question. The question was if I purchased two different fruits at some prices and later on sold it with different prices. How much profit or loss did I incur? The boy had no clue. I was shocked and angry. Later on that day, his tutor (who was born and in Korea and finished his early schooling there) came over. I asked him why my son did not know the answer. He told me these kind of questions are covered in high school. He also admitted that he did this type of Math in 6th grade in Korea. Here in the U.S. a lot of time is devoted to teaching basic concepts and terminology. By no means I am a U.S. school system basher. I think the system in the U.S. in general does a good job of creating good communicators and aspire individual creativity. I am sure someone in the Education community has an answer as to why this type of simple math is taught so late. No matter what the explanation, I think, we need more practical math and science early in the game. May be, just may be, it will prevent future financial meltdowns.