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Today we are in the computer/electronic age. If anyone wants to work in these fields setting up programs to do their job, and programming, they need to know algebra.
Today we are in the computer/electronic age. If anyone wants to work in these fields setting up programs to do their job, and programming, they need to know algebra.
Most programmers do not, however, need abstract algebra. The algebra you learn in high school is probably enough.
I didn't do well in math in high school. I think a lot of this had to do with a lack of motivation and a self-fulfilling prophecy that I was terrible at it and wouldn't be able to grasp it. Fast forward, I am back in college going for a computer science degree. Thus far I have aced calculus 1-3 and linear algebra.
I know this is just my own personal experience and it may not apply to some other people, but I have a feeling a lot of people went through the same struggles as I did, not due to a lack of ability but a lack of confidence and drive. To the poster who said that programmers don't need abstract algebra, I believe it is important to have a strong background in math for programming. Linear algebra is important in regards to 3d graphics programming, you are limiting yourself in the field if you don't have a base understanding of the mathematics involved.
I can recognize that some people have real struggles in comprehension that delve deeper than drive and confidence, however.
I don't think anyone who can't manage that basic level of abstract thinking should get a high school diploma.
And yes, it can be difficult for people to think in that new way. Tutoring should be provided for those students. And maybe they'd have better success at learning it if the constant classroom disruptions could be reduced.
Your post makes me quite angry.
My son has 3 learning disabilities, including just recently realized dyscalculia. He passed all the Algebra courses and tests, but is now struggling greatly with Geomoetry, despite tutoring and other help.
He has a high B GPA which to you might not be impressive but to me is miraculous. He has met or exceeded all other requirements for graduation. He is talented and ambitious and is very qualified to attend an arts based university and earn a BFA.
But *you* would deny him a high school diploma and that future due to a brain based disability that affects one class?
I guarantee you he has worked harder all throughout his school career than his neurotypical sister who finds math easy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan777
I don't believe that a public high school would require all students to have abstract algebra to graduate. Sorry, I simply don't buy it and don't believe this post is true.
With how many students are struggling with math, I don't buy that students would have to take not only Algebra, but Geometry, Pre-Calc and two levels of Calculus that are required before you can take Abstract Algebra. You don't even need that in college unless you're a math major.
Yes even for my son with a learning disability, all that math is required. Algebra II is no longer required to graduate in Texas but they don't like to advertise that.
ETA: I am not opposed to 3 or even 4 math classes. I wish there were options for "practical" math like personal finance. The school/state offers a zillion options for AP this and that...why is there nothing for kids on the opposite side of interest and abilities? Why are kids forced to muddle through something, causing them to loathe it even more, when they could take something that would actually be useful?
Last edited by calgirlinnc; 12-03-2019 at 01:52 PM..
My son has 3 learning disabilities, including just recently realized dyscalculia. He passed all the Algebra courses and tests, but is now struggling greatly with Geomoetry, despite tutoring and other help.
He has a high B GPA which to you might not be impressive but to me is miraculous. He has met or exceeded all other requirements for graduation. He is talented and ambitious and is very qualified to attend an arts based university and earn a BFA.
But *you* would deny him a high school diploma and that future due to a brain based disability that affects one class?
.
If he passes the math, English, science, and history requirements for high school graduation then he should get a high school diploma. If he has to work exceptionally hard to master the subjects, due to things he's got no control over, then he deserves all praise.
If he's not able to master those subjects, then he shouldn't.
If he passes the math, English, science, and history requirements for high school graduation then he should get a high school diploma. If he has to work exceptionally hard to master the subjects, due to things he's got no control over, then he deserves all praise.
If he's not able to master those subjects, then he shouldn't.
That violates about five different federal and state laws.
Should a kid in a wheelchair have to take the same PE course as a kid not in a wheelchair?
Of course not. The school modifies that requirement.
It should be no different for a student with a learning disability.
That violates about five different federal and state laws.
Should a kid in a wheelchair have to take the same PE course as a kid not in a wheelchair?
Of course not. The school modifies that requirement.
It should be no different for a student with a learning disability.
In our state, students with disabilities get non-traditional diplomas that they may use to go on to higher education. Is that not the case in your state?
A student must achieve all the requirements that the diploma awarded implies. If a student does not meet the standard for a traditional diploma, then another diploma may be more appropriate.
In our state, students with disabilities get non-traditional diplomas that they may use to go on to higher education. Is that not the case in your state?
A student must achieve all the requirements that the diploma awarded implies. If a student does not meet the standard for a traditional diploma, then another diploma may be more appropriate.
In my state, there are three levels of diplomas with the main difference between diplomas being the "highest" one includes Algebra 2.
There is no option to opt out of Geometry, for example. Geomoetry cannot be substituted with a different math class. You have to pass Geometry with a 70.
For learning disabled students, you can have a class that is co-taught, and this is noted on the transcript, but does not affect the diploma.
Most programmers do not, however, need abstract algebra. The algebra you learn in high school is probably enough.
Interesting you say that. Some people seem to think programmers are a cut above! I always thought some of them, anyway, weren't all that, uh, bright if I may say so. There is much confusion on this post about what the OP means by "abstract algebra".
Foreign language and math are the two most challenging subjects for children. They take endless efforts and you cannot give up at any point, otherwise you lose it.
Unfortunately, American children are often bad at both.
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