UC Irvine Rescinds 500 offers of Admission

[CA4Now]

And now the CSUs are getting rid of at the intermediate algebra prerequisite requirement for general ed math courses.

Under the new policy, which goes into effect next fall, students will be able to complete Cal State’s general math/quantitative reasoning requirement without intermediate algebra by enrolling in courses such as personal finance, game theory, statistics and computer science.

Are you a Cal State student? Here are some math requirement changes that might help you graduate sooner - LA Times

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

And now the CSUs are getting rid of at the intermediate algebra prerequisite requirement for general ed math courses.

Under the new policy, which goes into effect next fall, students will be able to complete Cal State’s general math/quantitative reasoning requirement without intermediate algebra by enrolling in courses such as personal finance, game theory, statistics and computer science.

Are you a Cal State student? Here are some math requirement changes that might help you graduate sooner - LA Times

A lot of colleges don't have any serious math or quantitative reasoning requirements. So, the fact that the Cal States even have one sets them head and shoulders above many.

By the way, the new Cal State system quant requirement is not all that different from Harvard's quantitative requirement; Harvard undergrads can also satisfy it by taking statistics, computer science, or another course deemed "quantitative" or applied math (i.e., game theory).

This is purely ancedotal, of course, but I've taken an intro statistics course at a Cal State. It was one of the hardest courses I've ever taken, and the only time I ever had to hire a tutor to get through a class. But then, I'm not a math wiz; I went to one of those colleges that didn't have any quantitative reasoning requirements.

In all seriousness, I do agree with you that the Cal State system seems to be loosening the curriculum somewhat in order to push more students through. But, frankly, that's what a lot of students (and parents) are increasingly demanding: to get a degree as quickly (and cheaply) as possible.

The question for colleges is, do you give your "customers" what they want or insist that they get an actual rigorous education? That question is being wrangled with at many colleges and universities these days, not just the Cal States.

That's what happens when higher education stops being about becoming a thinking educated person and becomes mainly about career prep.

[CA4Now]

"It’s unclear whether high school grades in California are as meaningful as those in other states. Among the 14% of Cal States students who have had to take remedial courses in both English and math, the average high school GPA was 3.2, or a B-plus. That’s supposed to mean a very good grasp of course material, but perhaps it’s a better indicator of grade inflation..."

How to boost Cal State graduation rates without cheapening the degree - LA Times

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

"It’s unclear whether high school grades in California are as meaningful as those in other states. Among the 14% of Cal States students who have had to take remedial courses in both English and math, the average high school GPA was 3.2, or a B-plus. That’s supposed to mean a very good grasp of course material, but perhaps it’s a better indicator of grade inflation..."

How to boost Cal State graduation rates without cheapening the degree - LA Times

Interesting article, CA4Now. Thanks for posting it.

[CaliRestoration]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

I went to one of those colleges that didn't have any quantitative reasoning requirements.

It's really sad that colleges exist that do not have these type of requirements. Quantitative reasoning is the basis of Micro/Macro economics.

Maybe this explains how Bernie Sanders became so popular with the youth.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by CaliRestoration

It's really sad that colleges exist that do not have these type of requirements. Quantitative reasoning is the basis of Micro/Macro economics.

If you're referring to the Cal States, they actually DO have a quantitative reasoning requirement for graduation as part of their general education requirement. That requirement isn't changing.

The only change is that some students will now be able to satisfy the quantitative reasoning requirement without taking Algebra first.

By the way, that's similar to how Harvard's and Stanford's (among other schools) quantitative reasoning requirements are also set up.

By the way, the University of California system also has a quantitative requirement for graduation.

So, I guess you'll have to find another reason to bash all those young Bernie supporters in California.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

I do agree with you that the Cal State system seems to be loosening the curriculum somewhat in order to push more students through. But, frankly, that's what a lot of students (and parents) are increasingly demanding: to get a degree as quickly (and cheaply) as possible.

The question for colleges is, do you give your "customers" what they want or insist that they get an actual rigorous education? That question is being wrangled with at many colleges and universities these days, not just the Cal States.

That's what happens when higher education stops being about becoming a thinking educated person and becomes mainly about career prep.

This is so true.

"Cal State faculty spoke out Tuesday about what they called “hasty” recent decisions to drop remedial classes and loosen math requirements by next fall.

In a resolution by the university system’s Academic Senate, faculty members said they hadn’t been given enough time to weigh in on what could be “rushed and poorly designed implementation” and should be given at least another year to prepare."

Cal State faculty take a stand against 'hasty' plans to loosen course requirements - LA Times

[payutenyodagimas]

although I passed my algebras with flying colors, its also good to ask do we really need these in our day to day lives or in our work? some professions need it but most don't have applications at all. id rather master excel or access than learning algebra If I were a college student and if given a choice


does a lawyer need it? a doctor? accountant? a chemist?


of course those working at NASA should be good at it

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by payutenyodagimas

id rather master excel or access than learning algebra...does a lawyer need it? a doctor? accountant? a chemist?

Learning algebra strengthens a person's reasoning skills. People use math every day; they just may not realize it.
10 Ways Simultaneous Equations Can Be Used in Everyday Life | Sciencing