Exactly. Basic algebra is not that hard. It follows specific steps. Once you learn how to do the steps, you just plug in the numbers. I think the problem is that there is nothing “creative” about Algebra. The schools teach all these alternate and confusing ways to solve basic math problems, so the kids can’t do the basic math in the Algebra problem. You throw an unknown in there and it throws them all off.
My mom never got past algebra two in high school but she saw that my siblings and I got a good solid math foundation right up through trigonometry - by using solid curriculmn that taught how to do the problems, not how to feel about them.
Replace every copy of “Rainforest Math” with Saxon’s Algebra 1 and scores would go up. Guaranteed.