> " First of all, we've seen in the data from many of the pilots across the country that are using alternative math pathways — that are just as rigorous as an a

> " First of all, we've seen in the data from many of the pilots across the country that are using alternative math pathways — that are just as rigorous as an algebra course — we've seen much greater success for students because many of these students can relate to these different kinds of math depending on which program of study they're in. They can see how it works in their daily life and how it's going to work in their career. " I remember using this argument a lot when I was a smart-aleck kid, that what should I care about Algebra, because when the heck am I going to use it. It feels like total bunk looking back at it now. I just hadn't seen or appreciated math as something worthwhile in its own right, regardless of application. I maintained that view until I got into more advanced math classes in college. For example the being shown the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality in Linear Algebra for the first time, that was just a total 'Ah-ha!' moment of joy. I really doubt I'd have that impression of that moment if the professor had been trying to demonstrate the immediate, concrete utility of that proof at the same time. I'm not really sure how one can reliably relay onto others the fun in math for its own sake, but it's there. It feels like a cop out to say a particular type of math needs to serve a purpose 'in the real world' instead of just being worthwhile intrinsically, as a fundamental part of reasoning.