We don't need no stinking Math (or Science)!

So apparently all this big push for more math and science has not gone over all the huge with parents, who do not seem to see the need for it.

If anything, parents are less worried about math and science these days -- not more.

In 1994, 52 percent of parents considered a lack of math and science in their local schools to be a serious problem. Now, only 32 percent say the same thing. During that time, states ramped up standards and testing, which seems to have affected parents' views.

This goes along with the recent Washington Post piece by Richard Cohen arguing that perhaps we need to reconsider the graduation requirements for all high school students. He presents us with the case of Gabriela, who struggled and failed at Algebra six times, and thus was not allowed to graduate.

Here's the thing, Gabriela: You will never need to know algebra. I have never once used it and never once even rued that I could not use it. You will never need to know—never mind want to know—how many boys it will take to mow a lawn if one of them quits halfway and two more show up later—or something like that. Most of math can now be done by a computer or a calculator. On the other hand, no computer can write a column or even a thank-you note—or reason even a little bit. If, say, the school asked you for another year of English or, God forbid, history, so that you actually had to know something about your world, I would be on its side. But algebra? Please.

Now, as a teacher, of course I expect all of my students to do well in every class, but...well, I can kind of sympathize. I passed my high school's standardized math exam with the minimum possible passing score. Basically, I find much more than simple Alegbra more than a little difficult, and I'm not sure that expecting all students to study Alegbra in order to graduate actually makes sense, at least if they are not going on to college. Some might argue that Algebra teaches reasoning skills, but c'mon, can anyone really argue that without Algebra, students wouldn't learn critical thinking and reasoning skills? I don't think so. I could do and do quite well without advanced math. Now, keep in mind, I'm refering to such things as Calc and Trig, not 3x+1=7, or even Logic, which is an important aspect of that math area that can be useful in many ways. But the more advanced stuff? That is what calculators and computers are for, after all!