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Whatever happened to going to the local library and grabbing a few grade 12 math books? Are people that unmotivated that they give up even before they take one step into the school?
This is a fundamental misunderstanding of the problem. Lots of people simply aren't smart enough to do high school level math, let alone college level. How motivated are you to study advanced math beyond calculus?
They are not "smart" in the sense of being able to handle abstractions like algebra. But they are smart enough to do most jobs, and yes, they need some kind of degree to get hired for many of those jobs.
They either try hard to earn the degree or find an alternative. Nobody owes them a degree.
This is a fundamental misunderstanding of the problem. Lots of people simply aren't smart enough to do high school level math, let alone college level. How motivated are you to study advanced math beyond calculus?
That's correct. But I don't get the impression that we're talking about people who couldn't master high school math. We're talking about people attending community colleges, many who plan on going to a four year college once they complete two years.
I've listed a lot of departments in companies where you need to know algebra, and ways we use it in our daily lives.
People mentioned getting a two year certificate and becoming a CNA. They never need to rely on algebraic formulas when dispensing medication?
Who here uses any knowledge you acquired in college on a daily basis.
Intermediate algebra is a low bar. It is important to be well rounded and exercise your brain and thinking skills.
To just obliterate a low bar, because it is too high for "people of color" says (1) we're just pushing you through and taking your money - we don't actually care about the development of your mind, (2) rather than put in the tough work to teach you, we will take the easier path of having low expectations due to "people of color" and their performance, (3) you expect less (and so you will get less) out of people of color.
If any of these kids try to later switch into STEM, they will be in a bad position.
California on Monday: "We need more people of color in STEM jobs, it is a form of discrimination that there aren't more in it, and we want to encourage you as a person of color to go into STEM."
California on Tuesday: "Basic algebra is too tough for people of color so we will drop it as a requirement."
Probably most people. Anytime you figure out the mileage your car gets you're using algebra. You have $10 and want to buy some widgets, how many can you buy? You're using algebra. Use Excel or any other spreadsheet? Probably using algebra.
Even if you don't explicitly "use algebra" learning how to do it teaches people how to think, so I suppose it's not a surprise California schools want to drop it.
This is a fundamental misunderstanding of the problem. Lots of people simply aren't smart enough to do high school level math, let alone college level. How motivated are you to study advanced math beyond calculus?
Lots of people aren't smart enough, that doesn't mean you should lower the bar and handout degrees like participation trophies.
Intermediate algebra at community college isn't exactly difficult. How smart do you think someone needs to be to solve 2x = 9 or (x-3)(x+3)=? And yes, those are actual intermediate algebra questions for Glendale community college. How much do you think a "degree" is worth when they give it to people who can't learn basic algebra?
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