GREENSBORO -- One business that continues to thrive in these bad economic times is math tutoring, reported WXII out of Piedmont, N.C.

For many students math -- especially algebra -- is the toughest subject they face.

Math Tutor: Recession-Proof Job

It's not that American students aren't trying. Local math tutors are booked full with students needing help and parents are spending $35 to $45 an hour for the extra assistance.

Still, international test scores show American students trail their counterparts in several Asian and European countries, ranking 15th overall.

Many students consider algebra a weapon of math destruction. Check the pulse of most high school students and you'll quickly learn there’s no love lost when it comes to the subject.

Not everyone can't stand the subject. Some students are quick to point out that math is their favorite subject. But for every math whiz, there are countless others who don’t see the appeal of figuring out what "X" means.

Many parents know that strong math skills are essential for their children's future -- sometimes spending more than $100 to buy their kids graphing calculators needed for today's algebra classes.

Studies show that workers who have a background in rigorous math and science classes are more likely to be employed and earn more than people without that kind of background.

Technology is also helping students deal with the complexities of math. At West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, N.C., students work collectively by connecting their calculators through a computer network to solve problems.

But all the technology in the world can't turn students into algebra lovers.

Forsyth County teacher of the year, Amy Maxey, said one reason students are still struggling is they spend too much time memorizing the rules of algebra and often miss out on the fun part.

"We concentrate on procedure and become exhausted with procedure," Maxey said. "When it comes time for the icing on the cake with the applications, students don’t get it. And that’s what’s going to help them retain the information."

Mike Evans, a Phi Beta Kappa from UNC Chapel Hill, agrees. "If they don’t understand the concept behind it or why they're doing it, they can't retain the knowledge," said Evans, who tutors math students in Greensboro.

Both teachers agree that the key to getting students interested in algebra is showing them how it applies to everyday life.

"Why is algebra relevant?" Evans stated. "So (students) can develop logical thinking (skills). We want students to be logical thinkers."