To be honest, I didn’t take algebra until freshman year in HS. But I completed calculus in my senior year, so I could test out in college.
That said, the 800 lb elephant in the room is race. Until education once again becomes a priority in the black and brown communities (at the family level), nothing will fix these problems.
i had lots of math in my high school. i still many times do long division and multiplication on paper to keep my brain active.
guess there isn’t a word for algebra in ebonics.
“That said, the 800 lb elephant in the room is race”
Wasn’t Algebra the name of Stymies horse? Just askin.
I did the same thing. I have an engineering degree from Texas A&M.
Personally, I don’t think you need to take Algebra I in eigth grade.
Some people do not do well at math,and it might be better to have them take a slower paced class that gives them lots of practice.
Lots of kids do not belong in college, so why are they forced to be college ready.
I think I would change the curriculum also to make it things like practical math. They have to figure out tips and taxes, balance a checkbook, work on tax returns,double or triple recipes for cooking, etc.