If you can't pass a math/science class, stay out of college.
You'll make more in the trades than in any degree program that doesn't require multiple math and science courses.
Posted on 07/22/2017 5:15:30 PM PDT by grundle
The chancellor of the California community college system has stated that institutions’ algebra requirements are “the biggest barrier” for “underemployed or unemployed Americans,” and as such is … a civil rights issue.
According to NPR, Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley is “among a growing number of educators who view intermediate algebra as an obstacle to students obtaining their credentials — particularly in fields that require no higher level math skills.”
In an interview with the chancellor, NPR’s Robert Siegel pointed out the low graduation rate in the community college system (48% for an associate’s degree), and then asked Oakley if ditching algebra wasn’t just the “easy way out.”
Oakley retorted “I hear that a lot and unfortunately nothing could be farther from the truth. Somewhere along the lines, since the 1950s, we decided that the only measure of a student’s ability to reason or to do some sort of quantitative measure is algebra.
“What we’re saying is we want as rigorous a course as possible to determine a student’s ability to succeed, but it should be relevant to their course of study. There are other math courses that we could introduce that tell us a lot more about our students.”
From the interview:
[Q]: Bob Moses , the civil rights activist, started the Algebra Project, teaching concepts of algebra to black students in the South. He saw the teaching of math as a continuation of the civil rights struggle.
Rates of failure in algebra are higher for minority groups than they are for white students. Why do you think that is? Do you think a different curriculum would have less disparate results by ethnic or racial group?
[A]: First of all, we’ve seen in the data from many of the pilots across the country that are using alternative math pathways — that are just as rigorous as an algebra course — we’ve seen much greater success for students because many of these students can relate to these different kinds of math depending on which program of study they’re in. They can see how it works in their daily life and how it’s going to work in their career. …
[Q]: Do you risk a negative form of tracking? Depriving a student of the possibility of saying in community college: “Wow, that quadratic equation is the most interesting thing I’ve ever seen. I think I’m going to do more stuff like this.”
[A]: We’re certainly not saying that we’re going to commit students to lower levels of math or different kinds of math. What we’re saying is we want more students to have math skills that allow them to keep moving forward. We want to build bridges between the kinds of math pathways we’re talking about that will allow them to continue into STEM majors. We don’t want to limit students.
The last thing I’d say is that we are already tracking students. We are already relegating students to a life of below livable wage standards. So we’ve already done so, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Here’s a good debate on the merits of taking algebra, and this site provides good examples of when you use algebra … and don’t even realize it.
drop algebra anyway as it is a waste of time ,and I have never used it since leaving school.
Even if one never uses algebra, it’s a great way to develop reasoning skill - a commodity in short supply these days.
It should stay for applicable programs but I sure didn’t need it for my major or my job.
I hate it and I suck at it too.
Just saying lol
7x = 56
THAT is hard...?!?!?
Good God, what would they think of Calculus..?
How about the SEALS drop the SWIM requirement, huh...?
THEN we could have SUPER MoTown SEALS, sure.
Maybe they can replace it with something like African studies, women’s studies, more bs, more bs, more bs, ..........
Just because you never use does not diminish the importance of mathematics. You never know when the ability to solve problems requiring logic or mathematical reasoning will be useful, and when the problem presents itself, not having that skill makes you less valuable or employable than someone with that skill. I would recommend mastering any skill you can and encouraging it in others.
It seems like it would be simpler just to award them all a PHD.
I am of the opinion that it is MORE racist to think that minorities cant perform in math.
Allegra got this white boy a couple of times.
A certain level of intelligence is needed to understand the concepts. Those who can’t get it can get jobs that don’t require it. But teach it to those who can get it.
The left is insane.
There is more to algebra and what most people realize. It is not only the entry level into advanced mathematics but ALSO the entry level to rational thinking.
It is not a nice touchy feely subject. To come out at the far end with the answer you have to follow rules and procedures. You also have to apply the rules and procedures when you have no idea as to what you are looking for.
As for getting rid of because the pass/fail rate is so high - that’s the fault of previous courses.
But, don’t tell anyone that because you might hurt their feelings and force them into their safe space.
Sorry (not really) but the world ain’t a safe space and in all too many cases non-rational thinking can be fatal.
Climate Scientists don’t use math and they’ve solved the Global Warming problem .... it’s settled science. /s/
If you can't pass a math/science class, stay out of college.
You'll make more in the trades than in any degree program that doesn't require multiple math and science courses.
You realize that Algebra stimulates the reasoning and analytical side of the brain, don't you?
Algebra raciss! X=infinity...
Algebra is not racist, don’t get rid of it
Washington Examiner, Friday, July 21, 2017
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/algebra-is-not-racist-dont-get-rid-of-it/article/2629339
Why don’t they just go ahead and drop ALL requirements and issue minorities a PHD at birth? Save everyone time, frustration and money.
Just consider it reparations.
One good rap song and you are a millionaire.
One bad rap and you are in jail.
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