Further to the claim that dropping the algebra requirement would enable more students to enter community college.
From David Freddoso at Washington Examiner:
For many decades, educators have viewed algebra as something students need to understand in high school, if not earlier. Now, we have college administrators who think it’s too hard, causing too many of their students to fail and thus preventing them from getting a college degree.
And that, of course, means we should get rid of algebra, the chancellor of California’s community college system told NPR this week.
…
I don’t even want to get into the laughable and arguably racist assumption that algebra creates some kind of color barrier ? and by the way, the Arabs developed it, so it just isn’t so. But what I marvel at is how this interview seems reflects a blind faith in the magical powers of a college degree. In the interest of making sure everyone gets one, we simply stop making them studying things that are challenging and important in life, because it’s the degree itself that is most important. More.
He goes on to point out that one outcome is keeping disadvantaged or minority students out of the STEM fields where there are still lots of real jobs… What a great way of making them bear the burden of poor schooling while claiming to help them!
One wishes that students would start sounding off about the real problems and not about speakers they disagree with but don’t have to listen to.
See also: At NPR: For social justice’s sake, get rid of algebra!
and
Evolution News and Views on Dawkins dumped from Berkeley: Did it serve him right?