California Places Much Needed Emphasis on Algebra
July 11, 2008 – 11:53 am by Kim
Algebra is a branch of mathematics that focuses on the study of structure, relation and quantity. It is one of the main branches of math and a fundamental building block for advancing in the mathematical world. So what happens when students graduate from middle school without a good grasp on the subject?
This is the problem that many state educational boards are facing. California is the first state in the nation to face this problem head-on and have decided to make taking algebra and the state algebra exam by the eighth grade mandatory. The mandate will go into effect in 2011.
The decision was made after half of the state’s public school eighth-graders took the Algebra I exam in 2007 and only 38% scored proficient or better. Governor Schwarzenegger wants to raise student expectations and work to send graduating eight-graders into high school with a better grasp on the subject.
Not everyone in California is on the governor’s side. State superintendent of instruction, Jack O’Connell believes the mandate doesn’t provide the state with any specifics on resources and leaves educators without a clear path of instruction. He feels that not enough educators were consulted before the decision was made and is concerned that three years is not enough time to get students prepared.
The governor vowed to provide additional funding for educators over the next three years to ensure that the mandate gets off to the right start.
Understanding basic algebra is essential for success in high school math courses and college courses as well. I remember taking algebra in middle school and earning decent grades, but never quite got a good grasp on the subject. I continued to glaze over it in high school and really suffered in my college calculus classes. The algebra I learned was embedded in flowery content, where a cute little story was supposed to teach you how to solve for X.
Gaining a strong grasp on algebra is also essential for mastering more complex math concepts used in engineering, physical sciences, economics and finance. Currently, there is a real need for engineers in this country and our education systems needs to get back to the basics if they want to provide future generations with the skills to fill these positions.
