Is algebra necessary? A reply to Andrew Hacker

Is Algebra Necessary?

In the New York Times for July 28, 2012 Andrew Hacker wrote an article entitled “Is Algebra Necessary?” and concluding that it was not. His argument can be summarized as follows (the article is here: The New York Times)

• Math is hard, algebra is especially hard
• Many children fail it
• It has limited applicability to most people’s lives after school
• Therefore, it should not be required.

Of these points, only the second is incontrovertible and problematic. Many children fail algebra.

Hacker also claims that

The toll mathematics takes begins early. To our nation’s shame, one in four ninth graders fail to finish high school.

He is correct that the damage begins early; it begins far before 9th grade. And it is not mathematics that is doing the damage, it is, to coin a word, mismath. Because what is taught in our nation’s elementary schools is not math in any real sense. It is mostly taught by people who don’t like math. We accept this for some reason. Even in elementary school we expect teachers who teach English to read on a reasonably regular basis. Even in elementary school, gym is taught by a gym teacher who, we hope, has some interest in physical activity. We expect music to be taught by someone with an interest in music. We make an exception for math. I don’t know why. Math, even in elementary school, should…