Agreed. But higher math requirements for everyone, regardless of their aptitudes and aspirations does not make sense because we are not all the same. God did not make us that way.
I happen to have been pretty good at math and enjoyed it. But I am weak in other areas, for example languages.
I also am no musician. I took piano lessons for 10 year and it was clear I was never going to be very good at it (however I excelled in music theory ... which is mostly math). What if everyone were required to be proficient in 2 languages and meet a level of musical ability to get a high school diploma or a college degree? I suspect a lot of people like me would fail. Yet I have no object to being required to take foreign language classes or musical lessons … I think it is good to be exposed to many different things.
It depends on what you mean by "proficiency". I can quickly develop the ability to read a foreign language. But, I've never been able to develop the ability to listen and understand one.
Yet I have no object to being required to take foreign language classes or musical lessons … I think it is good to be exposed to many different things.
As I wrote in an earlier posting, providing opportunities for someone to investigate or pursue different things is great. But, requiring someone to take classes in a non-essential subject is completely different.
One of the elementary schools in my district decided to force everyone into bilingual education. It was a disaster, and they had to pull the plug after only a few months, and the students had to make up the gap in order to advance the following year.
Yes, that's different than just a foreign language class. But, it's an example of how a mandated "experiment" can go wrong, and the kids suffer.
I'm all for giving students opportunities to pursue their passion or just try stuff out. But, it should be their decision, not the decision of someone who thinks everyone should share their passion.