If you want an example of math education that does a lot right, take a look at what's been done in Chicago [1,2].  Unfortunately, substandard K-12 curriculum is all too common.  I don't even want to think about the billions of dollars society would save by implementing effective programs across the board. Makes me sad. :-/<p>[1] <a href="http://ucsmp.uchicago.edu/" rel="nofollow">http://ucsmp.uchicago.edu/</a><p>[2] <a href="http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/" rel="nofollow">http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/</a>