this is when science didn't have to have any specific purpose

[rex_dart]

Is Algebra Necessary?A TYPICAL American school day finds some six million high school students and two million college freshmen struggling with algebra. In both high school and college, all too many students are expected to fail. Why do we subject American students to this ordeal? I’ve found myself moving toward the strong view that we shouldn’t

Comments

Well done on the post title, Rex....

[mhael]

*wonders if anyone besides you and I will know where it comes from*

As for the article: dammit, _p, I'm a historian, not a mathematician, but I think the author makes some pretty cogent arguments against making it mandatory for everyone. I myself took all of ONE math course in college, and it had nothing at all to do with algebra nor anything at ALL to do with my Major or Minor.

On the other hand, making sure high school students understand the basics of symbolic logic is also pretty damn important, so I like the fact the author addresses ways to see that happen without forcing algebra on students who won't ever need it again.

Re: Well done on the post title, Rex....

[rex_dart]

purely put the title there to see if anyone would recognize it.

Re: Well done on the post title, Rex....

[mhael]

Only the cool people, Eskimo Spy.... only the cool people. ;)

Re: Well done on the post title, Rex....

[kseda]

I got it! And then the roommate and I started quoting things at each other.

Joe, I'm in one of these boxes, find me!

Re: Well done on the post title, Rex....

[rex_dart]

I'm gonna curl up in his sock drawer and sleep for days.

Re: Well done on the post title, Rex....

[lizrocks]

Into the Weenie-mobile... Weenie-man away!

Re: Well done on the post title, Rex....

[kseda]

Put the bathroom in the tower, what was I thinking?

Re: Well done on the post title, Rex....

[mhael]

It's a long par five leading to the nation's Capitol...