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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Why Algebra « Deborah Meier on Education

Why Algebra « Deborah Meier on Education:


Why Algebra

Math education is high on the list of both professional and lay “hot” topics. Everyone has an opinion. Andrew Hacker’s critique in Sunday’s New York Times  was a pleasure to read, given that I agree with him. But he also managed to base his argument on unassailable facts. For example, only 7% of the job positions in America actually require algebraic knowledge. But 57% of all college entrants fail to finish college largely because they can’t pass algebra! The same goes for high school diplomas. The price they pay for this failure is disproportionate to its importance Hacker argues.
Such weighty and critical decisions, which influence the life careers of millions and the future of America (so we’re told), are rarely based upon a serious look at the “evidence”–mathematically objective data. When it comes


On the Evidence for Algebra

Math education is high on the list of both professional and lay “hot” topics. Everyone has an opinion. Andrew Hacker’s critique in Sunday’s NYT was a pleasure to read–given that I agree with him. * But he also managed to base his argument on unassailable facts. For example, only 7% of the job positions in America actually require algebraic knowledge. But 57% of all college entrants fail to graduate with a BA largely because they can’t pass algebra! The same goes for high school diplomas. The pice they pay for this failure is disproportionate to its importance–Hacker argues.
Such weighty and critical decisions, that influence the life careers of millions and the future of America (so we’re