Andrew Hacker Is Algebra Necessary Summary

‘Down with Algebra II’ is an article about a political scientist named Andrew Hacker, who wants to have a course in statistics instead of algebra II and calculus. The article points out that those two courses can be difficult for high school and college students to understand, which causes them to drop out. Hacker believes that the statistics course would be better to apply to the real world and understand. However, most schools and colleges are not willing to give up this curriculum, even though most people do not get a degree in mathematics. The journalist points out that if her teacher had been better in their math course then she may have understood it better. It also mentions a cognitive psychologist who thought the problem was that the schools taught the students about conceptual understanding too late and should begin teaching it much earlier. Altogether, the journalists stance was that it would be best to give the students more options of math classes.

While taking algebra, students are exposed to abstract thinking by making decisions based on given information. When they apply for a job or participate in a work setting, the employers will look for these abstract thinking skills. In the article, “Should Algebra Required” which appeared in the New York Times, Hacker states that algebra as a requisite is an obstacle for many students to graduate from college. Hacker indicates that algebra should be considered prudent because it “develops student’s problem solving skills, which involve step-by-step analysis” (2012). Based on that, this step-by-step analysis skill is important in several career settings, including but not limited to the following fields: law, medical, and mathematics. However, further research shows that even occupations such as electricians, upholsters, and plumbers that do not require a college degree must have some type of background in mathematical and reading skills. If as a society we consider to lower academic standards, then we will face the consequences in our nation, especially with the immense competition in the new global economy. As a citizen, scientist, or simply a human being, one must prepare our mental abilities to be able to understand abstract thinking in different disciplines in order to make the proper connections between problems and solutions.

When it comes to math in America, we are not faring too well. Internationally we are below compared to other states. Some people believe it is due to the fact that Americans believe they are not “math people.” In America we have a problem with math and the way we view it. Americans fix this problem by eliminating the term “math people”, the way we teach math, and by incorporating technology.

The way I saw it, they should throw math away because who needs it? I know I don’t.

In order to further analyze educational trends over time, I examined the percentage of students taking Algebra and Calculus as compared to the past. The data indicates that the percentage of thirteen year olds who are enrolled in Algebra has doubled since 1986 (NCES 2012:47). Additionally, thirteen year olds who elect to

With the United States falling behind in mathematics, they need to take a stand against the issue – calculators. The United States is ranked thirty-fifth internationally (Desilver). Considering America is supposed to be one of the superpowers of the world, they should be ranked much higher. To climb in the ranks, the United States should stop allowing students to use their calculator as a crutch; calculator usage should be monitored and restricted in the classroom. In elementary school, there should be no calculator usage allowed. As they get older, the restrictions on calculators should loosen. Middle school students should be allowed to learn different functions on the calculator, but still learn the concept traditionally. Then, in high school, calculator usage is fairly accepted for several math classes require the calculator to be able to solve the problems.

Initially, it seems counterproductive to teach mathematics and reading. However, when students struggle in the classroom and don’t understand the concepts, it raises the question on where disconnection occurs. The majority of the population who hate math originate from the same perspective of the new and future students. So, what goes wrong? Basically, the students are not taught the seemingly simple (or complex) words that mathematicians use in their field of study. The small words in math are just as crucial to learn and understand as the more complex words. Without this education, math students fall behind and between the cracks where they become frustrated and resistant towards the rest of math. Why is teaching the language of math important?

Math skills are necessary skills. Math is everywhere. Students need to learn basic math skills, at minimum, to be successful in life. After learning basic math skills, they should be exposed to and encouraged to learn more complex math skills. This will only increase their chances of success. “Mathematics are all around us. It is present in different forms whenever we pick up the phone, play games, manage our money, travel to some place, play sports, meet new friends; unintentionally in all these things mathematics are involved (Sumisha, 2012)”.

I completely agree that math should be a core foundation to higher learning and his article explained that very clearly. No individual is wired at birth for mathematical processes and certain disciplines so I am in full agreeance with mathematics required being a part of education. I’m an analyzer thinker by nature so one would hope that since I am analytical by nature, this will benefit. However, in earning any college degree, math plays a huge roll in being successful in that industry of choice. The “why” question when working on a mathematical problem is sometime hard for me to understand. One being that I over analyze and the other, I just don’t understand the concept. Perhaps it’s bad instructions growing up or a disability, either way, I tend to logically think way out of the

I often hear students say things like “I don’t like math” or “Math is not my thing.‘ But in my experience, I noticed how math gave me an edge when it came to resolving life’s most difficult problems. I feel that I can think more objectively without rushing to a conclusion. I was not always like this, in fact I am naturally the kind of person that jumps the gun and acts before thinking. But now that I have been studying math I try to find a solution to my problem and welcome the challenge. I started to notice patterns in the way problems present themselves. According to world famous mathematician, Conrad Wolfram, math is all about critical thinking and analyzing the results. In many of his lectures, Wolfram focuses on the role math plays in the real world and in education. He believes in the power of learning math and its positive effects on the brain. In addition, he believe that the more math a student learns, the more earning potential the student can have because of the tech industry that is quickly growing. In essence Wolfram believes that math teaches students to become better problem solvers, ready for the real

Math and several of its features are a noteworthy piece of regular day-to-day existence. We spend the larger part of school considering and taking in the ideas of it. Often, many question, “why do we have to know these things?” Math is vital for even the most fundamental of life capacities. Regardless of whether one is purchasing goods, deciding a financial plan for oneself, figuring enthusiasm on ventures, or completing an entire heap of other life undertakings, math will some way or another be included. Many have said, "there is no algebra in real life" and comparative things that specify math and its absence of use to reality. If not for algebra, calculus, statistics, and all types of math’s, and science, one would by no means have the capacity to do at least 90% of what you do every day. Mathematics is the widespread dialect - and it is honestly rather wonderful. Truly, not many people are ever great at math, yet it is an essential necessity

Many people believe that math is the most value subject in school. Nonetheless, Math will come into play when we pay our taxes, rent, mortgage, etc. However, If we did not know how to read and write there would be no need to to pay a rent or taxes. If you didn’t know how to read or write you would be able to buy a house and not even pay for it. You wouldn’t be able to read the numbers and calculate it all, not alone pay a

Most students in my algebra II class, in high school, disliked math substantially. Math was only required to be taken for two years and if you were going to attend college, Algebra II was a requirement. When their two years were up, I could say that about half the students did not continue math. Many students in my Pre-Cal class always had a thing about asking the teacher when they were ever going to solve a problem like that in the “real world”. I noticed that the ones who had lower standards for example, they were set on going to the junior college or going straight to working, did not continue math after two years in high school. The students who were set on going to a four year university continued on with math. The students with lower standards did not care to go above and beyond. This had me thinking. If some students felt that math was useless in the “real world”, why are we required to take it? In my opinion I feel that students should be required to take a math class as a GE requirement, but it should be math that is applied to the “real world”. Those who need math in their career can continue their math studies even further.

“If students are allowed to use technology such as computers, calculators, and tablets, then they will be able to develop a deeper understanding of the math concepts presented within their course.”

These critics argue that calculators take away student’s basic knowledge of mathematics, prevent children from truly