Here are some examples to think about...

1) Teaching Math In 1960

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit? 

 100 divided by 5 equals 20;  times 4 is 80 which is the cost. Therefore 100 minus 80 equals 20, which would be the profit...  How elementary!! 

2) Teaching Math In 1970

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?   The student is not sure because they did not learn to do fractions...  So sad!!

3) Teaching Math In 1980

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is $80. Did he make a profit?  The student did not learn how to subtract!!

4) Teaching Math In 1990

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of
production is $80 and his profit is $20!    Your assignment: Underline
the number 20.   The student does not how to preform any math calculations; therefore they must guess or be directed to the correct answer!

5) Teaching Math In 2000

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and
inconsiderate; plus cares nothing for the habitat of the animals or the
preservation of our woodlands.  He does this so he can make a profit
of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living?                            Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds
and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes?  There are no
wrong answers.      Here the student is not learning or attempting to perform any math skill...  They just attempt to make some social-economic judgment based on what ever the popular opinions are at the time...   The student just puts down what ever comes to mind!!

Teaching Math In 2010

Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100. El cuesto de la
produccion era $80. Cuantos tortillas se puede comprar?

As long as the student can get a money order @ WalMart to send to Mexico; who cares if the Gringo makes any profit!   Or something like that... HUH!!

What is wrong with this picture??  

Unfortunately to many people nothing!!