In case anyone had the impression I was suggesting algebra isn't necessary when I typed,
“Instead of requiring Algebra, Geometry, etc., I’d like to see the same math covered but organized according to: Financial Investments, Real Estate, Business, Building & Construction, etc.,"
I want to make it more clear: In my personal opinion, all of those courses should be covered, but they should be organized differently. IOW, instead of the material being organized into courses called Algebra, Geometry, etc., the same material could be organized into courses that apply to everyday life.
I'll put it this way: What would capture the students' interest more? Telling them they must learn the material to pass a test? Or, telling them they are learning the material so they can buy or build a house, invest money, manage a business, etc.?
There are math programs available right now that use real-life applications, but critics say they aren't effective. The problem isn't that real-life applications are used; the problem seems to be that they rely too heavily on calculator use, for example. Many people would like to see a better, more intensive math program using real-life applications.
On the one hand, money always seems to capture the attention of students.
On the other hand, my science students always seem to really enjoy learning about the periodic table of the elements, which is probably what most of them will use least of anything I teach them...go figure.