re: Math and reading scores for 13-year-olds in the U.S. have hit the lowest levels in decades

Think mathematical difficulties have been going on for a while. Watch the mental stresses occurring in the average cashier after giving cash and coins for a purchase. They typically have to rely on the register or even a calculator to tell them how much change to give back. Example: Giving cash and pennies so you will get a quarter back in change;