For many, mathematics classes are where dreams go to die, and other casualties are left in its wake: a joy for mathematics, appreciation of its beauty, and understanding that it all makes perfect sense. Instead of a storyline, math is remembered as a collection of plotless plots and pointless points. Many are working to fix it, but we all need to understand the issues and do our part. What does it mean to learn math? What can you do to stop the downward spiral? These, and more, are answered in