California abandons algebra requirement for eighth-graders

[Freeper]

alp227 (18,545 posts)

California abandons algebra requirement for eighth-graders


 
By falling in line with other states, California is abandoning its push for all eighth-graders to take algebra.

Last month, the State Board of Education unanimously shifted away from a 15-year policy of expecting eighth-graders to take Algebra I. The state will allow them to take either Algebra I or an alternate course that includes some algebra. New state standardized tests will focus on the alternate course -- the same one adopted by most states under the Common Core curriculum being rolled out across the nation.

Supporters welcome the change as more in line with current practice, of schools offering two tracks of math for eighth-graders. But critics fear that the new standard will let schools avoid offering rigorous courses for all. They point to a report released last week showing that some schools are not placing black and Latino students in advanced math courses even when they're prepared.

The change is controversial because success in Algebra I is the single best predictor of college graduation.

full: http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_22509069/california-abandons-algebra-requirement-eighth-graders

In a nation where even professors can argue with a straight face against teaching algebra, this will only ____ students over in the less wealthy areas.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022313690

You don't need algebra to use an EBT card.

kestrel91316 (43,898 posts)
2. What on earth are they thinking??? Do they not want CA HS graduates to get into good universities??

This is what happens when liberals are in charge. Things like algebra are no longer important. The only math you need is to make sure your EBT card has the right amount every month.

[Duke Nukum]

Algebra is hate!

[ChuckJ]

As long as they know that 2 + 2 = potato why would they need any type of math at all?

[thundley4]

Illinois has vastly more lax standards than that, or they used to anyway. Algebra 1 wasn't a standard offering for 8th graders, but three of us took the course with the freshman class. I still had to take 8th grade math while also taking Algebra 1.

[ChuckJ]

Illinois has vastly more lax standards than that, or they used to anyway. Algebra 1 wasn't a standard offering for 8th graders, but three of us took the course with the freshman class. I still had to take 8th grade math while also taking Algebra 1.

When I was in school if you were taking college prep courses Algebra 1 was required in 8th grade. In 9th grade Algebra 2 could be replaced by Geometry. I took Geometry in 9th and Algebra 2 in 10th.

[Chris_]

I guess standards are a little more lax here in Red State Hell, but I don't ever remember algebra being a requirement for 8th graders.

They may teach it in California, but that doesn't mean the students will pass the class.

[ChuckJ]

I guess standards are a little more lax here in Red State Hell, but I don't ever remember algebra being a requirement for 8th graders.

They may teach it in California, but that doesn't mean the students will pass the class.

They grade on the circle. A more forgiving form of the curve.

[Dori]

The state will allow them to take either Algebra I or an alternate course that includes some algebra. New state standardized tests will focus on the alternate course -- the same one adopted by most states under the Common Core curriculum being rolled out across the nation.

Common Core, adopted by 45 states, is another Obama and Company dream come true. (Indiana is currently trying to back out of it).  If you have kids or grandkids in school, best to keep a watch on this new curriculum.  It's just been implemented this past year, so I don't know how many people even know about it.

[ColonelCarrots]

I don't think I know algebra. I probably did at one point. I hope I don't need it for my masters. I'm in for a world of hurt if I do.

[Conservative Libertarian]

I started HS in AUG, 1977. They didn't offer Algebra I until freshman year. I took the equivalent of Pre-Algebra in 8th grade. They didn't offer a Calculus class until after I graduated HS. I took the equivalent of Pre-Calculus as a Senior at the end of Trigonometery. I went on to take three semesters of College level (5 credit hour) Calculus courses, Differential Equations, Linear/Matrix Algelbra, Numerical Methods, and a host of other Physics and electronic circuit theory courses that went beyond the math in my Calculus courses. I did alright without formally taking Algebra I in 8th grade.

A move away from Algebra I in 8th grade would appear to be a step backward.

My son is in 7th grade Pre-Algebra and will be taking Algebra I next year in the 8th grade. He has an old Dad compared to most of his classmates.

My brother-in-law is a PhD Physics professor over in IL. He has complained for several years that the students coming into college don't have the math skills needed for higher science classes.

[Conservative Libertarian]

I don't think I know algebra. I probably did at one point. I hope I don't need it for my masters. I'm in for a world of hurt if I do.

What is your major?

[ColonelCarrots]

What is your major?

Pastoral studies

[Conservative Libertarian]

Pastoral studies

The only reason that they would require Algebra would be to demonstrate problem solving.

[Conservative Libertarian]

Pastoral studies

At least you didn't say "Psychology". Those people are in the major for "Self-help."

[Chris_]

I had to take algebra in college because my HS grades/test scores weren't enough to keep me out of remedial math classes.

The only thing I learned about math in college is how to apply a formula and set of rules to a data set.  Ditto for calculus.  Once you have that down, algebra is pretty damn easy.

[thundley4]

Would A² + B² = C² be Algebra or Geometry?

[Conservative Libertarian]

I had to take algebra in college because my HS grades/test scores weren't enough to keep me out of remedial math classes.

The only thing I learned about math in college is how to apply a formula and set of rules to a data set.  Ditto for calculus.  Once you have that down, algebra is pretty damn easy.

My son gets frustrated because he wants to know why those equations and rules exisit. The only problem is that the answer usually calculus to explain it for which he is not ready.

[Conservative Libertarian]

Would A² + B² = C² be Algebra or Geometry?

It's actually geometry but the expression is algebraic. Therefore, the answer to your question is BOTH.

[Chris_]

I wondered the same thing at first until I "got" it.  I guess the only thing I can add is that algebra is a basic foundation of math, like arithmetic. 

I agree, things don't start getting interesting until you get into calculus.  Until then, it's all just plugging numbers into formulas and coming up with an answer.  Pretty simple stuff once you have it down.

[Chris_]

It's actually geometry but the expression is algebraic. Therefore, the answer to your question is BOTH.

Booyah.

[Conservative Libertarian]

Booyah.

 

[98ZJUSMC]

Algebra is hate!

 That shouldn't be

But, it is.

[thundley4]

It's actually geometry but the expression is algebraic. Therefore, the answer to your question is BOTH.

I think it's more applicable to geometry .  I can remember having to try and find different whole number solutions to it in Geometry class.

It's just recently I learned there are a couple of ways of doing it that are quite simple.

[Dblhaul]

I use algabra, trig and calc every day at work, learned the basics for all starting in Jr High (7-9th grade)

[Chris_]

Yeah, but you probably do something interesting and/or useful at work.  I just feel like I replace hard drives.