I like algebra. Never could understand why anyone wouldn’t.
In TX, starting with this years freshmen, they are required to take 4 years of math - starting with Alg 1. The problem will be with the kids who have not learned the basics (like the times table) and can't get an answer without using the calculator. I have been amazed over the last several years how much the emphasis on basic skills has gone down, and dependence on the calculator has grown.