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Poll: A decade ago, the San Francisco public schools stopped teaching algebra to 8th graders. I support teaching algebra to 8th graders. What do you think?
Twitter ^ | February 9, 2024 | Daniel Alman from Squirrel Hill @DanielAlmanPGH

Posted on 02/09/2024 11:05:13 AM PST by grundle

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To: Freee-dame

In the 70’s, it was algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trig, electives of Calculus


81 posted on 02/09/2024 2:52:35 PM PST by mware
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To: dfwgator

That’s priceless.


82 posted on 02/09/2024 2:53:01 PM PST by kawhill (kawhill)
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To: ChildOfThe60s

I can attest to that. I could read a page in a book and half of it would “stick in my brain”. Not really a photographic memory, but more of a cadence or rhythm. I did OK in math until I got to Thermo-Dynamics in college. Got a C- minus in that class, but would have gotten a D- minus or even failed if it hadn’t been for a guy named Phil Sheridan, the most brilliant man I’ve ever met. Dude used to run marathons for fun, because he said, “it gave him time to think”.


83 posted on 02/09/2024 3:06:35 PM PST by kawhill (kawhill)
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To: 9YearLurker

Indeed I did not!

Looking back on it all, I think the difference was a lack of discipline. I studied when I was interested in the subject matter, but didn’t when I wasn’t. Physics and stats presented, in my mind, puzzles to be figured out and held my attention.


84 posted on 02/09/2024 3:51:20 PM PST by drwoof
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To: grundle

Parents ( with input from their child) should decide! Not the government.

Compulsory-attendance and compulsory-funded government schools should be abolished.

Vouchers would ease the transition. Parents could then choose a school setting that best meets the needs of the child. If the child is ready at age 9, then good. Proceed with algebra. If age 17, or never, the parents best know their child.

By the way, three of my children were homeschooled. Two graduated at the age of 18 with B.S degrees in mathematics. The older of the two earned a masters in math by the age of 20. The youngest earned B.S in computer science but in her 30s. The oldest excelled in a sport but graduated with an MBA at a normal age.


85 posted on 02/09/2024 5:38:25 PM PST by wintertime ( Behind every government school teacher stand armed police.( Real bullets in those guns on the hip!))
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To: dfwgator

Very cute! Sitting here laughing.

I speak and read Spanish fluently.


86 posted on 02/09/2024 5:39:57 PM PST by wintertime ( Behind every government school teacher stand armed police.( Real bullets in those guns on the hip!))
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To: drwoof

Interesting idea!


87 posted on 02/09/2024 5:47:05 PM PST by wintertime ( Behind every government school teacher stand armed police.( Real bullets in those guns on the hip!))
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To: zeestephen

My Spanish 104 started the class with, buenos diaz, classe…este es espanol ….


88 posted on 02/09/2024 6:05:46 PM PST by ealgeone
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To: grundle

I have 2 Engineering degrees, but always struggled with math until I understood what that particular branch of mathematics was describing. Once I understood that it usually clicked for me.

Basic algebra is relatively simple and should be taught to everyone. Much of the real world can be described mathematically - once you understand how to manipulate the equations you gain a semblance of control over your world. Algebra II and III and higher mathematics should be reserved for the specialists.


89 posted on 02/09/2024 8:52:19 PM PST by Some Fat Guy in L.A. (Still bitterly clinging to rational thought despite its unfashionability)
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To: dfwgator

Khan Academy

From their 5th Grade Math, Section 13:
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-fifth-grade-math/imp-algebraic-thinking

Go at your own pace and dominate all that you can.


90 posted on 02/09/2024 10:49:04 PM PST by HKMk23 (https://youtu.be/LTseTg48568)
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To: grundle

Why would anyone not support this


91 posted on 03/07/2024 10:17:43 PM PST by chris haney (Apache)
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To: Zuriel

Well said


92 posted on 03/07/2024 10:19:27 PM PST by chris haney (Apache)
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