Andrew Hacker: Is Algebra Necessary? (PUUUUUUUUKE)

[Goblinmonger]

42. You are making it too binary and simplistic.

The argument I am making is that if you aren't going to go into a career that uses calculus, why be required to take trig? (I'm going to kind of combine the other subthread here if that's OK). I realize in the realm of all that is mathematics that algebra is at the beginning. I'm saying that algebra isn't basic math for your average, non-Good-Will-Hunting, student. Knowing algebra at some level will be the most math (with some geometry) that they will ever need in their life. That which is covered in high school physics is basic physics compared to what ever it is called that Hawking learns. Doesn't mean you should have to understand high school physics to get into college.

But if you aren't going to be a musician, you should have to take AP Music theory?

You aren't going to be a politician, but you should take AP Econ?

You aren't going to be a historian, but you should take AP US, World, and European History?

You aren't going to be an artist, but you should have to take Art Theory 4?

I have NEVER said we should cut math and science. But if you think that teaching a kid that is going to be a history teacher calculus just because we are "behind in math" is going to solve the problem of our best and brightest in math being behind in math (which I think is just not true), then I would like to see the study that shows that. I have also NEVER said that we should stop teaching or requiring everyone to take math and science. It just seems like we should teach the subject to students at the level that they need it to survive. Most people can live their lives well with a basic understanding of algebra and geometry. They don't need to understand it at the level that gets them ready for trig and calculus. Plenty of people need math for what they are going to do in their life. They should still get pushed. Do you think your below-average kid in pick-your-country-you-think-is-beating-us-at-math takes algebra, geometry, and trig in high school? Most studies that show us behind in math and science pit the other countries best and brightest against everyone in the US with $50 to take the ACT/SAT.