There is a great article by Howard Blume today in the Los Angeles Times on the problems with the new mandatory Algebra class in California schools. This debate is an example of what is happening in our high schools: how to educate our students to the highest level possible while accomodating students not ready for "prime time".
For those who don't know, it is now California state policy to REQUIRE algebra in the eighth grade. There are now two sides pulling and pushing over this requirement.
One side is supported by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to create a math test for all eighth-graders that would satisfy federal officials. The other side as represented by the California School Boards Assn. and the Assn. of California School Administrators (suing to stop the implementation) which feel the new requirement sets up unprepared students for failure while holding back others with solid math skills.
This is a classic example of positive intentions (teach higher math) running into social issues (students arriving in 8th grade with 2nd grade skills). My questions are:
- How did those kids hit 8th grade with 2nd grade skills?
- What does that say about the education system that allows students to be passed along?
- Why is money always the answer when the amount of money already being spent in cities like Washington D.C. (the most money per student) is cited in the story as dead last in math assessment?
- What does it say about educators who sue to stop the implementation rather than sit down and address these real problems?
As a college planning advisor, these are REAL issues that I face evry day trying to find colleges for students and then helping them pay for it. What happens when a student who can be 6 grades behind in skills like math are given a position in colleges as a "special admit" for athletic or other reasons? What happens to the USA in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) when students enter less than prepared?
Let's start talking NOW. The longer we wait to address these issues, the more students will end up dropping out or taking majors that do not have math components that lets the USA fall farther behind in STEM.
