I taught jr. high students math. You men have no clue how hard it is to try to teach the most simple of math equations to young people who have used calculators all their life. The have no conception of adding and subtracting. Even adding 2+2 is beyond them. They simply don't have a basic understanding.
An equation such as 2-x=1 or x+1=2 is beyond their comprehension. Tried every method possible. My favorite method was to put two pencils on the table, put a piece of paper down with a minus sing, then put a box, next put a piece of paper with an equal sign. Finally put one pencil to the right of the equal sign. I thought this was brilliant. (tried it with every type of simple equation including both listed above.) No joy, never got it.
I was dumbfounded. Sad, sad, sad. If I was in charge, I would eliminate the use of calculators in any math class. Only when the students had mastered math (all the way through differential calculus.) Then, they could use calculators for their practical classes.
Of course, if I was in charge, I would eliminate the federal department of education. All they do is generate worthless paper work that causes good teachers to waste time, effort and energy. Not one bit of this paperwork ever seemed to really benefit the students.
Final thought, please don't confuse these big time union leaders and their big state and big city pseudo teachers with the majority of teachers in this nation. Most are hard working, dedicated citizens who have to fight the feds, asshole parents and the unions who don't represent them (also not to be confused with the many good, concerned parents.)