It doesn't take a rocket scientist....
This is our educational system in a nutshell. All around the world students succeed in 8th grade algebra. This is because they are fortunate to live in places where k-7 prepares them for it.
So when we want to compete do we ramp up our k-7 standards? No. We just dump alot of unprepared 8th graders into a class whose fundamentals they wot not of, then complain about their parents when they fail.
A pox on the education industry!
Bleh.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist....
My oldest had to take Algebra in 8th grade. Absolutely hated it, nearly failed. Loathed her teacher. (I was no help since I was a “new math” baby from the 60’s and can barely balance my checkbook...ok, maybe not that bad, but you get the drift.)
Anyway, this year she has a teacher that has a totally different teaching style. My kid loves Algebra now and “gets it” and is, so far, at the top of her class.
But since it is public school, that’s all relative, I reckon.
I agree though that not doing any prep work in the early grades is akin to just throwing them to the lions.