Uh, Algebra IS vocational instruction. Both Algebra and Calcoolus (see "Stand and Deliver") help create an instinctive feel for how things work. That's all math is, after all, a codified symbolic way of describing how stuff works. So math in general IS vocational/life training unless Toyota and BASF want mindless button-pushing drones with no analytical ability. And if that's what they want, the State of Texas has no business delivering that.
This is what Charles Murray has to say about it:
( Please insert “algebra and calculus” in all the places he writes B.A.)
” One of your colleagues submits this proposal:”
“First, we will set up a single goal to represent educational success, which will take four years ( algebra and calculus) to achieve no matter what is being taught. We will attach an economic reward to it that seldom has anything to do with what has been learned. We will urge large numbers of people who do not possess adequate ability to try to achieve the goal, wait until they have spent a lot of time and money, and then deny it to them. We will stigmatize everyone who doesn't meet the goal. We will call the goal a “BA.” ( high school diploma that includes algebra and calculus.)
“You would conclude that your colleague was cruel, not to say insane. But that's the system we have in place.”
But...Charles Murray has a good idea! Certifiable examinations in specific subjects. Although he is specifically addressing college attendance, there is no reason these certification exams couldn't start with 1st grade subjects. We should completely scrap the high school diploma and go for certification exams that demonstrate specifically what a person knows.
Here is his essay:
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB121858688764535107
However...I do agree with you about Calculus for **one** set of people: GOVERNMENT TEACHERS! Yes, I know most government teachers do not need calculus, but it would help assure that minimal bright people are in our nation's government schools.