Letters: Mar. 28, 2005

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The Math Myth

"Who says a woman can't be Einstein?" was invaluably informative about the scientific research and sociological theories concerning women in math and science [March 7]. As a woman university student, I am continually saddened by the negative attitudes that persist in academia about women's aptitude in those fields. As suggested in your article, the educational system--not biology--is to blame for any discrepancy between the achievements of men and those of women. Given the right training and encouragement at an early age, women can, without a doubt, equal men in math, science and engineering--just as they have in other fields.

MANISHA CHAKRAVARTHY - Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

As a woman in science, I know that you cannot overestimate the pervasiveness of attitudes discouraging girls from pursuing math and science. I grew up in a university town, the daughter of a female biologist, but still felt societal and peer pressure that made me believe I couldn't be smart at science. I credit my seventh-grade science teacher with encouraging me to break through my personal stereotypes and refusing to allow me to settle for B's or C's when he knew I could achieve A's.

LAURA MCLAIN MADSEN, D.V.M. - Riverton, Utah

Your story on women and the sciences was a wake-up call to anyone who is hanging on to a one-size-fits-all view of teaching math and scientific subjects. Research confirms what perceptive teachers know: different people (whether they differ by gender, age or simply nature's diversity) learn at different times and in different ways. We cannot cling to a naive assumption that most students will learn in the same way if they just apply themselves. We know how to teach mathematics for all students--by using not just symbols but strategies that target visual and perceptive ways of learning, and engaging students in challenging problems so they can both understand and use math in life after school.

CATHY SEELEY, PRESIDENT - NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS - Austin, Texas

Why don't you publish an article trying to explain why boys score lower than girls in verbal-aptitude tests? It seems the focus is always on why girls are not as good as boys at math. If boys don't perform as well as girls in a subject, it is never controversial. In fact, no one seems to care. Do we value math more than reading and writing?

COLIN C. BAKER - Dayton, Ohio

I was delighted to read your cover story. When I first learned about Harvard University President Lawrence Summers' remarks, I was offended. Women are as intelligent as men, if not more so, even in areas such as math and science. Females are underestimated by society. If they are motivated and confident in their abilities, any one of them might be the next Einstein. Societal pressures keep women from succeeding in mathematical and scientific fields. Once we surmount the stereotypes, we will more than keep up with men in those fields.

SHANA RUSONIS - Ellicott City, Md.