Geeez, we had algebra I-II-III starting in 6th grade 50s Jr HS (6-7-8); then geometry, trig and calc in 60s HS (9-10-11-12). Plus Latin and Classical Greek. Wasn’t easy; just required S-T-U-D-Y, something most kids refuse to do these days.
No wonder we have a country of *takers* and so few *makers*, anymore.
Amen. If it isn’t EASY...they don’t want it. Tough it out and maybe you’ll learn something constructive and... maybe the parents should stop defending the kids rights all the time. I’d rather be tough on my kids and when they are grown adults we can look back and say yeah, we were tough on them but... look at them now. Parenting isn’t for sissies and if the parents don’t act responsible then the teachers can’t do their job and the kids will just be pushed through till graduation. Then guess what??? Good luck to them.
“Geeez, we had algebra I-II-III starting in 6th grade 50s Jr HS (6-7-8); then geometry, trig and calc in 60s HS (9-10-11-12)”
I had all of that too, plus some more in college. I have never used it since. My work does not require it. Was it necessary? Helpful? Make me a “more rounded” person? I think not, and would tend to agree with the author. Teach basic math well, and let higher math be an option for the future engineers, scientists, etc.