Andrew Hacker: Is Algebra Necessary? (PUUUUUUUUKE)

[Igel]

35. No. It's not.

When I graduated college I was convinced everybody needed, at a minimum, vector calculus. We live in a 3D universe full of related rates and time derivatives, dripping gradients and curls. How can you *not* need vector calculus? Right, laugh. But the point holds: It's damned useful. The concepts are everywhere. The calculations? Not so much.

Algebra's the same. A lot of kids need bits of algebra and geometry and trig. Teach what they need to know. The biggest demand is for 2-year college students. Not 4-year. Next biggest are specific STEM fields. My high school valedictorian was a whiz at alg. and geometry and trig. He learned it from the master machinist in machine shop--he was a machinist's apprentice. He learned it in application. He'd have failed trig. Or geometry. He needed relevance. Kids cry out for it. Give it to them.

I teach regulars science. If you are decent at science or interested, you're in pre-AP or AP. You're not in my class. The top 25% is bled off. If average starts at 100--and that's close, since they renorm the tests from time to time--then my students' average is below average. They have to have the full gamut of math and science to encourage them, students disproportionately with IQs of 99 and below, to pursue careers in science and engineering and medicine. You know, they shouldn't build bridges. Some will be hair dressers and fry cooks. Some might do 2-year tech stuff with joy. There's a place for each. Put them in the same class and it's not good.

It's the same for most of the math classes. Alg I and II aren't useful for everybody. They don't need it. It really makes it harder to teach those who do need it when 1/3 of the class sits there and says, "Pointless. Screw you, I don't need this."

College bound should have Alg I, II, and geometry should also be explicitly taught as formal logic. It's not around here. A class built around logic and it's reduced to formulaic SASs and identification of shapes. Massive application of MTP: Miss the point.

Vocation track should have Math 10 and 11. It should include some stats, life skills, basic algebra in applications. Review fractions (my juniors last year had trouble with fractions, serious trouble with fractions).