California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide • Hacker News Board

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#31

Post by tppiotrowski » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:20 PM UTC

holonomically wrote: post #7

I was doing algebra and Russian math word problems in 4th grade (maybe earlier, it's been a while). What exactly is the logic of pushing back mathematical training to later grades? [1] 1: https://www.edhelper.com/geography/Russia_Math1.htm

Second grade in Poland I remember problems like this when learning addition and subtraction:

3 + ? = 10

10 - ? = 3

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#32

Post by jldugger » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:20 PM UTC

darth_avocado wrote: post #14

Here's a revolutionary idea that pretty much all of the world adopts, if students are having trouble with a topic, get them to do more of it, instead of running away from it. I always find it hilarious that the pre college education in US is so messed up. Instead of doing Algebra 1, Algebra 2, calculus, geometry as one subject that you do in a year and then completely forgetting about it till the next time you have t…

I mean, most of that sequence builds upon itself, except geometry.

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#33

Post by jdkee » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:21 PM UTC

"A key sticking point in the approval process has been the framework’s recommendation that teachers refrain from labeling students as “naturally talented” in math. This has led to accusations from parents and educators that it holds back “gifted” students."

Along with NYC mayor deBlasio seeking to terminate that city's gifted and talented education programs as well as Virginia's recent approach to "equity" by decontenting gifted education. The examples demonstrate the illiberal trends we are seeing in the U.S. wherein novel concepts like "equity" replace "equality" and merit is seen as racist.

See https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/08/world/nyc-schools-will-re...

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#34

Post by aaaaaaaaaaab » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:21 PM UTC

I have a better idea. Delay it indefinitely, as long as there's as much as a single kid who struggles with it! It's the only way for true equality of outcome.

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#35

Post by b5n » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:22 PM UTC

There's more value in flexibility than catering to the lowest common denominator. There's plenty of money to do so, unfortunately it gets leeched out before ever reaching the classroom. People learn at a different pace. Algebra should be available as early as 7th grade, and can be deferred to 9th for those with different aptitudes.

The reason many minorities and POC lag behind has nothing to do with race. Like many issues in the US there are effective ways to address this, none of which survive the compromises and competing desires of bureaucracy.

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#36

Post by bregma » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:22 PM UTC

whyage wrote: post #13

Are they trying to get everyone to be above average?

It's easy to do if you focus on bringing the average down. I can even show that algebraically.

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#37

Post by [deleted] » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:22 PM UTC

darth_avocado wrote: post #14

Here's a revolutionary idea that pretty much all of the world adopts, if students are having trouble with a topic, get them to do more of it, instead of running away from it. I always find it hilarious that the pre college education in US is so messed up. Instead of doing Algebra 1, Algebra 2, calculus, geometry as one subject that you do in a year and then completely forgetting about it till the next time you have t…

[deleted]

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#38

Post by zz865 » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:22 PM UTC

The program was also to allow Statistics and Data Science as alternatives, which tbh is probably more relevant for a lot of people.

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#39

Post by Nitrolo » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:22 PM UTC

As someone who's never been in an American school, what does algebra entail in the US curriculum usually? Is this the first time "solve for x" is introduced? How broad is the amount of teaching that happens in algebra?

Re: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide

#40

Post by nottorp » Tue, Nov 23, 2021, 11:22 PM UTC

darth_avocado wrote: post #14

Here's a revolutionary idea that pretty much all of the world adopts, if students are having trouble with a topic, get them to do more of it, instead of running away from it. I always find it hilarious that the pre college education in US is so messed up. Instead of doing Algebra 1, Algebra 2, calculus, geometry as one subject that you do in a year and then completely forgetting about it till the next time you have t…

> I always find it hilarious that the pre college education in US is so messed up. Instead of doing Algebra 1, Algebra 2, calculus, geometry as one subject that you do in a year and then completely forgetting about it for the rest of the high school, how about you do a little bit of everything every year from grade 8-12. Problem solved.

I don't understand. US high school kids only do math one year out of the 4? And nothing else math related during the other 3 years?

I mean, instead of doing a little bit of math spread across all the years so you know, they don't forget everything?

Does this go for other subjects as well?