Professor: Algebra, geometry, calculus shouldn’t be required

Should higher level math classes be a requirement for everyone? (AP Photo/file)

Do you use algebra or geometry in the workplace?
Statistics cited in a recent op-
ed piece in The New York Times says only 5 percent of
workers use math skills involving algebra or higher level
math on the job. This is one reason professor Andrew
Hacker is asking schools to consider the removal of such
courses as a requirement.

Asking “Is Algebra Necessary?” Hacker, an emeritus
professor of political science at Queens College, City
University of New York, and a co-author of “Higher
Education? How Colleges Are Wasting Our Money and Failing
Our Kids and What We Can Do About It,” says the dropout
rate in the U.S. is depressing, with over 25 percent of
ninth graders never making it to graduation.

“They never get a high school diploma and the largest
single academic reason teachers tell me again and again is
algebra,” says Hacker, who thinks it’s important to take a
look at why we think it’s so important for every 14-year-
old to become proficient in algebra.

“I have not found a compelling answer,” says Hacker. “One
of the myths is that mathematics – algebra, trigonometry,
calculus – train your mind. And all I can respond to that
is, yes they train your mind to be able to solve algebra
problems, but there’s no evidence that having studied
algebra or calculus makes you more astute or perceptive
when it comes to politics, society, or your personal
life.”

In his column, Hacker points out that math requirements
that prove insurmountable for some keep them from moving
forward in other academic areas of study.

“Of all who embark on higher education, only 58 percent
end up with bachelor’s degrees. The main impediment to
graduation: freshman math. The City University of New
York, where I have taught since 1971, found that 57
percent of its students didn’t pass its mandated algebra
course. The depressing conclusion of a faculty report:
‘failing math at all levels affects retention more than
any other academic factor,'” writes Hacker.

He’s not suggesting math be abolished entirely, but he
thinks those that exist as requirements should be concepts
that everyone needs and will use.

“I’m very pro-arithmetic up through long division,
fractions, decimals, ratios,” says Hacker. “I do not want
to abolish geometry or algebra. I want them to be taught
as electives.”

Hacker acknowledges there’s definitely still a need for
people with high level math skills, but he says requiring
high levels of math mastery from everyone keeps students
that struggle with math from developing in other areas.

“I’m all in favor of people learning to think and be
thoughtful. There are many different ways you can do
that,” says Hacker. “It doesn’t have to be algebra.”

Listen to full interview with Andrew Hacker:

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor