"Gabriela, sooner or later someone's going to tell you that algebra teaches reasoning. This is a lie propagated by, among others, algebra teachers. Writing is the highest form of reasoning. This is a fact."
What an idiot! Unfortunately P. Z. Myers has demolished Cohen so well that I can add nothing of value.
Hurrah, P. Z. Myers!
Maybe ALL kids don't need algebra. Maybe many of them would benefit from some sort of "Consumer" or "Life Skills" Math course in high school, one that teachs them to figure percents off on sale items in a store, be able to do their taxes, count change, understand credit as it applies to their lives, paying bills, dealing with utility companies, knowing vocabulary terms such as debit, credit, interest, deduction, gross income, taxable income, 401K, social security, etc.....
OhMyGod!, But THIS sounds like TRACKING! Life tracks people, not everyone is college bound. Educational policy makers need to see what is really happening in schools/life, and accept the fact that their fantasy is NOT reality.
Polski, you may be correct. But who decides who can do algebra, and when? This is what concerns me. Should we give kids test in second grade and protect those who do poorly from later struggles?
There was a guy, whose name escapes me, who was the father of the Life adjustment movement. He believed that only 20 percent of students needed algebra. The rest didn't.
But he was a little vague on how we would decide who was in the 20 percent.
"Maybe ALL kids don't need algebra."
I assume you meant "Maybe not ALL kids need algebra"? There is a difference.
Actually, I believe the thinking skills taught in algebra are something every kid needs. Carpenters use algebra. Mechanics use algebra.
Now, Everyday Math? THAT's something no one needs....
"Actually, I believe the thinking skills taught in algebra are something every kid needs. "
Absolutely!
The original Cohen was very selective in presenting the "facts". For a fuller background on the sad case, see:
http://dragonlady328pt.blogspot....ela-
ocampo.html
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