On Algebra, High Expectations, and the Common Core
I'm currently working on a long article about the Common Core, which focuses mostly on the new standards' implications for the humanities. But while I was reporting the piece, one thing I heard from critics of the Core was that is might be dangerous to connect high school graduation requirements with the Core's expectation that all students conquer algebra. Why? Because, in the words of Anthony Carnevale of the Georgetown Center for Education and the Workplace, "Education reform has stalled on Algebra 2. The more you demand it, the more drop-outs you have."
In today's New York Times, Andrew Hacker agrees that algebra is unnecessary for most students, though he does't mention that because 48 states and terrtorities are planning to adopt the Common Core, the energy in school reform is tilting very much in favor of algebra. Here's the crux of Hacker's argument:
In today's New York Times, Andrew Hacker agrees that algebra is unnecessary for most students, though he does't mention that because 48 states and terrtorities are planning to adopt the Common Core, the energy in school reform is tilting very much in favor of algebra. Here's the crux of Hacker's argument:
To our nation’s shame, one in four ninth graders fail to finish high school. In South Carolina, 34 percent fell