There have been some very good points on this thread.
A huge problem is that expectations are simultaneously too high (
algebra for all in 8th grade) and too low (
Let's omit proof writing in geometry. The kids can fill in the blanks, which is just as good).
Solving this problem will require that we make changes that people won't like. Some of my ideas along those lines include:
- Hire math specialists to teach math, starting in first grade
- Require algebra and geometry, but create different classes: basic, average, advanced. Let students pick which one they want to take, but give advice (e.g. "If you want to be an engineer, the advanced class is the one for you")
- Give up the idea that everyone can and should go to college
- Require a class that teaches stuff like interest rates, including car, house, and STUDENT loans. Any graduate of a US high school should know how to manage money, how to make a budget, etc. etc.
I've heard Silicon Valley types claim that people won't need to know stuff in the near future because computers (and internet searches) will have all the information. Hogwash! At the highest levels, you can't build something or discover something if you don't know which questions to ask, and you can't know which questions to ask until...you know stuff.
