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This was discussed recently: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29324551 https://news.yc

This was discussed recently: California moves to recommend delaying algebra to 9th grade statewide https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29324551 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29324551 (25 days ago)

lalaland1125 5y ago
I think one issue is that we do need to introduce a new "slower math" framework for the majority of math students in California as most are not able to reach our current standards. Our current system is simply not working. The trick is to introduce that slower math framework while still keeping an option for some students take algebra earlier.
- germinalphrase 5y ago
  What we need to do (in part) is accept that some students are not learning much in high school and offer them an off-ramp into the labor force. Right now, failing to earn a traditional high school diploma is half a step from an economic life sentence, so we force kids to fake their way through for years while they could instead be gaining knowledge and skills in a profession. Reducing the penalty of opting out would inarguably increase the quality of education for those who remain. Additionally, we should write in stone what obligations are truly school obligations and what are we offering as services/expectations within schools because they are one of the very few opportunities to provide social services to a large segment of our population. We would need to have a grown up conversation about other social spending, but teachers and admins are being pulled ten different directions by unclear mandates. We should also include an agreed upon optional exit exam that can be taken at any time so students who are capable of graduating and moving on with their lives are not being stifled. We would also (probably) benefit from decoupling schools and sports - even if some high school type equivalent remained publicly funded.
  - deleted 5y ago
    [deleted]
  - jimbokun 5y ago
    Sports clubs in Europe are privately funded and if anything it’s cheaper to play competitively there than in the US.

lalaland1125 5y ago

I think one issue is that we do need to introduce a new "slower math" framework for the majority of math students in California as most are not able to reach our current standards. Our current system is simply not working. The trick is to introduce that slower math framework while still keeping an option for some students take algebra earlier.

germinalphrase 5y ago
What we need to do (in part) is accept that some students are not learning much in high school and offer them an off-ramp into the labor force. Right now, failing to earn a traditional high school diploma is half a step from an economic life sentence, so we force kids to fake their way through for years while they could instead be gaining knowledge and skills in a profession. Reducing the penalty of opting out would inarguably increase the quality of education for those who remain. Additionally, we should write in stone what obligations are truly school obligations and what are we offering as services/expectations within schools because they are one of the very few opportunities to provide social services to a large segment of our population. We would need to have a grown up conversation about other social spending, but teachers and admins are being pulled ten different directions by unclear mandates. We should also include an agreed upon optional exit exam that can be taken at any time so students who are capable of graduating and moving on with their lives are not being stifled. We would also (probably) benefit from decoupling schools and sports - even if some high school type equivalent remained publicly funded.
- deleted 5y ago
  [deleted]
- jimbokun 5y ago
  Sports clubs in Europe are privately funded and if anything it’s cheaper to play competitively there than in the US.