Is algebra necessary for ALL?

[Anonymous]

With all the hype over Common Core, thought this question was worth pondering.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/opinion/sunday/is-algebra-necessary.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

[Anonymous]

For me, algebra has been very useful, not only to figure things out mathematically but also for when I took logic in college. I think it helps develop analytical skills.

[Anonymous]

Necessary? Absolutely for anyone pondering a STEM career. But even those who aren't -- kids need to handle challenge and school isn't job training. No one is selling algebra or advanced mathematics as the only means of quantitative learning. And without the appropriate math enrichment the value of science education is minimized. You simply can't learn chemistry or physics without advanced math.

Greek philosophy is hard too. Learning some foreign languages can be equally challenging. Not to mention the number of math proficient students who can't string two sentences together.

[Anonymous]

It's actually pretty handy.

[Anonymous]

If you are a writer no.
If you are a carpenter or a baker, maybe.

I think it is good to offer Algebra and Geometry to everybody because how would you know if you had an aptitude for it if you never were exposed to it.

Not doing well in Algebra is not an indicator that you will not be successful. Just like not doing well in History does not mean anything.

[Anonymous]

It's not so much that it's necessary for all, as that high school is really too early to determine whether it will be necessary or not.

Requiring students to study algebra helps keep their options open, particularly given the greater employment opportunities in STEM fields.

[Anonymous]

I am a writer and use algebra all the time. It's a life skill, basic math. Past that, no, I wouldn't say most people "need" statistics or calculus (though they can be handy), but algebra? Basic, basic stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a writer and use algebra all the time. It's a life skill, basic math. Past that, no, I wouldn't say most people "need" statistics or calculus (though they can be handy), but algebra? Basic, basic stuff.

+1. Even if you will never use algebra in a career, it is useful in life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Necessary? Absolutely for anyone pondering a STEM career. But even those who aren't -- kids need to handle challenge and school isn't job training. No one is selling algebra or advanced mathematics as the only means of quantitative learning. And without the appropriate math enrichment the value of science education is minimized. You simply can't learn chemistry or physics without advanced math.

Greek philosophy is hard too. Learning some foreign languages can be equally challenging. Not to mention the number of math proficient students who can't string two sentences together.

What percentage of the workforce requires a STEM education?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not so much that it's necessary for all, as that high school is really too early to determine whether it will be necessary or not.

Requiring students to study algebra helps keep their options open, particularly given the greater employment opportunities in STEM fields.

do you have any data to back up this statement?

[Anonymous]

"the high school mathematics curriculum is now centered on the teaching of a sequence of courses leading to calculus that includes Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and Calculus.

However, fewer than five percent of American workers will ever need to master the courses in this sequence in their college or in the workplace."

Anthony P. Carnevale, Nicole Smith and Michelle Melton, STEM (Washington, DC: Center on Education and the Workforce, Georgetown University, 2011)

[Anonymous]

Yes it is. Algebra provides key skills in problem solving and multiple variable scenarios. In the real world so many of our choices and opportunity costs can be viewed as word problems (salary vs benefits and different health care plans and car insurance plans, even calculating if its really worth it to buy something in bulk at Costco).
I do think that the way algebra is taught should be changed to show many more real world applications.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a writer and use algebra all the time. It's a life skill, basic math. Past that, no, I wouldn't say most people "need" statistics or calculus (though they can be handy), but algebra? Basic, basic stuff.

When? Just wondering. I have a degree in Math and I never use Algebra. I wish I did more. I love Algebra, it is like poetry to me.

[Anonymous]

I love algebra and love teaching it, and would never deny a student the opportunity to take it?

But is it useful in everyday life? Should it be used as a barrier to graduation and college? I'm not convinced.

[Anonymous]

bhaahhaahha what an idiot of course he says this as a "writer"