A Mission to Rescue Millions of Students and Adults Lost on Algebratraz Island

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - July 28, 2025 - PRLog -- The 2023 assessment of 4,600 US adults showed Americans scoring at the lowest numeracy level or beneath it went to 34% from 29% (2017). That means more than a third now struggle to perform tasks beyond basic arithmetic. Those 34% don't need algebra - the most flunked and anxiety-causing class in middle or high school.They would probably, however, like to make some tables and support some decisions with a few calculations. Unfortunately, all commercial spreadsheets require a knowledge of algebraic notation to even get started and target an audience of sophisticated users..

T/Maker is a two dimensional spreadsheet which only requires a knowledge of arithmetic. The syntax is like operating a hand calculator. There is nothing like it. It also includes a tool which allows one to go step by step through the calculations specified making it easy to find and fix mistakes. It is designed to be visually intuitive and less stressful.

T/Maker cuts abstractions (e.g., minimizing bingo names like c12 for values) and fosters plain sailing (e.g., left to right readable calculations) among other simplifications. It's the clear choice to elevate those who now have nothing to choose. Watch the 55 second video at the website or on YouTube at the bottom of the page. It takes you back to a blackboard in the fourth grade and wouldn't scare anyone.That video is just the tiniest tip of the iceberg of what T/Maker can do.

I believe it is high time schools stopped dragging and pushing uninterested students over some algebra line in the sand. Many math subjects could be understood and used without knowing how to write the equations for them (e.g., statistics, probabilities). Algebra does not need to be a must for basic math competence. T/Maker is a tool that is incredibly useful but can look delightfully obvious and feel underwhelming.

I would actually like to partner with a software giant to make the product better and more easily available across a wider variety of equipment. I would hope to see it free to everyone who wants it. I sincerely believe it can cover a large group of students and ex-students who have been until now left out. Given my history, this is a personal mission which I sincerely believe could yield a very positive result. No one else has ever put a tool like T/Maker on the table.

For the 1.82 minute YouTube video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIk2jZoxKIM



The Website is:   tmaker.site