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Should We Kick Foundational Maths To the Curb?
A California school is experimenting with data science and the possibility of letting Algebra II go.
Mathematics isn’t universally beloved. I speak from the depths of my being when I say this. This sentiment guided me through my academic journey prior to college, where I primarily focused on Literature and various Information Technology courses, largely avoiding mathematics. However, there is a growing trend among educators to prioritize computer science and data science over traditional foundational math.
In a recent article in The Washington Post, it was reported that some California educators oppose the replacement of traditional math courses with data science. For instance, at Adolfo Camarillo High School in Oxnard, California, students engaged in a data analysis project using Google Forms to track their phone usage. This project was part of a data science course that aimed to bridge mathematics with real-world applications.
Reflecting on my own high school experience in 2001, I recall taking a computer math course while concurrently enrolled in Algebra 1. Despite my mediocre math skills, I was informed by my counselor that the computer math course would fulfill my math credit requirement. It meant that after completing Algebra II, I could…
