We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government.

I can think of one use of algebra for Mr. Cohen: Analyzing declining subscriber numbers for the Washington Post and the rest of the MSM.

I'm going to have to agree with Richard Cohen, here. Algebra should not be taught in American high schools. There's no reason that algebra and geometry couldn't be mastered in middle school, and the kids well on their way to trig and calculus by high school.

"no computer can write a column..."

What? Mr. Cohen's column is nothing more than a carefully constructed combination of words. Isn't it possible (even probable) that AI could eventually be powerful enough to generate relevant columns, articles, essays and novels by executing all possible word combinations within some specified grammatical and editorial framework?

Sure, there would be an arduous vetting process, but don't we have to do that anyway with all of the garbage we read in the Washington Post?

Rammage is right - should be able to master basic algebra & geometry in middle school.

As for Wulf's points - PR is a problem, but I'd lean more towards "teachers who never struggled..." I had a pre-calc prof in college (after passing pre-calc in high school, hey, i only needed the math competency credits...) who had a masters degree in engineering, she had no ability to convey anything meaningul from her lessons to any student who wasn't already mathematically inclined.

But there's probably also the little incentive problem - people who are good at math, and well rounded, who have pursued math towards a career are probably being courted predominately by the private sector, leaving the leftover garbage to teach the kids.

"won't somebody please think of the children!"

Great website name. I taught remedial algebra in college in california and this was the number one question for me-- whats the value of algebra? At the time I only had abstract reasons-- it is the only case where there is no confusion over semantics and the principles of good reasoning and logic can be laid bare (people hate formal logic because it uses everyday words).
After about five years (I am a grad student in a another subject) I happened upon the main answer-- financial planning. Basic financial planning like paying taxes requires you to estimate how much in taxes you have to pay if you earn x. So my lesson was abstract reasons for studying algebra are generally bad for remedial algebra. Practival reasons like financial and some geometric examples good. Perhaps it says something about academics that it took me so long to realize that.
As for AI we are probably more than a century away from useful automatization of essay writing.

I think what this clown (yes, clown) doesn't realize is how much he relies on algebra on a day-to-day basis. I guess that's why he gets paid big bucks over at the Post though, huh?

That's the problem with monopolistic state run education - it tries to establish a one-size-fits-all approach to everything.

Yes algebra is important - but for some it is the end of the road, for others it is only the beginning. Unfortunately for our students, it is only taught one way which leaves those that struggle with math frustrated and confused and those that enjoy math and need it as a foundation for further study underserved and bored.

I found the comment about "poor PR" interesting! This is what I as a math instructor have been saying for a while now - we need to give students reasons to want to learn math. I am currently developing resources that document all the direct and indirect uses of math. Click on my name or go to http://www.mathmotivation.com to see what I have thus far.

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