Yes, algebra is necessary
This was written by cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham, professor and director of graduate studies in psychology at the University of Virginia and author of “Why Don’t Students Like School?” His newly published book is “When Can You Trust The Experts? How to tell good science from bad in education.” This appeared on his Science and Education blog.
By Daniel Willingham
When I first saw yesterday’s New York Times op-ed, I mistook it for a joke. The title, “Is algebra necessary?” had the ring of Thurber’s classic essay, “Is sex necessary?”, a send-up of psychological sex manuals of the 1920s.
Unfortunately, the author, Andrew Hacker, poses the question in
(Astrid Riecken/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)earnest, and draws the conclusion that algebra should not be required of all students.
(Astrid Riecken/FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)earnest, and draws the conclusion that algebra should not be required of all students.
His arguments:
Texas’s standardized tests flawed, researchers say
Researchers say they have found a design flaw with the standardized tests that Texas students must take for “accountability” purposes — and the implications could be important across the country.
According to studies done by Walter Stroup, an associate professor at University of Texas at Austin, and two other researchers, the design flaw in the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) assessments suggests the exams “are virtually useless at measuring the effects of classroom instruction,” this story in The New York Times says.
Read full article >>
According to studies done by Walter Stroup, an associate professor at University of Texas at Austin, and two other researchers, the design flaw in the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) assessments suggests the exams “are virtually useless at measuring the effects of classroom instruction,” this story in The New York Times says.
Read full article >>
