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But isn't that what is already supposed to happen? Presumably school authorities are trying to work out a useful curriculum, that they adjust from time to time?

But isn't that what is already supposed to happen? Presumably school authorities are trying to work out a useful curriculum, that they adjust from time to time? Maybe a more useful discussion would be how to measure success and how to determine what is necessary? This "8th grade maths is enough" is a bit too handwavy. I can actually imagine that there would not have to be as much focus on doing calculations on paper or in one's head, as everybody has a calculator ready at all times these days. As one example.

tptacek 4y ago
That's the whole point of the conversation we're ostensibly having.
- misslibby 4y ago
  But not very specific so far. We only have some anecdotes from that article writer about 8th grade maths. To start, I think everybody should be able to do financial calculations (like compounding interest), and be able to decipher the charts they are being bombarded with every day in the media. Other than that I guess I agree with some other posters that it is the people who figure thinks out who are often also good in maths. I am not even sure how to teach that and if traditional maths at school helps.
  - tptacek 4y ago
    You asked "what's the solution here". I'm just saying: there are solutions here, and they aren't abstract. Is there a widespread belief that the current US high school math sequence is good? I feel like I've read a lot of different takes, many from mathematicians and scientists, about why it's not good.
    - misslibby 4y ago
      The question was in reply to the argument that maths should be abolished or toned down because it makes kids miserable. So if that is the criterion, what about all the other subjects that make kids miserable. I personally enjoyed maths, but other subjects made me miserable. I don't think that means everything is fine as it is, but also that simply getting rid of subjects because people don't enjoy them may be too much.

tptacek 4y ago

That's the whole point of the conversation we're ostensibly having.

misslibby 4y ago
But not very specific so far. We only have some anecdotes from that article writer about 8th grade maths. To start, I think everybody should be able to do financial calculations (like compounding interest), and be able to decipher the charts they are being bombarded with every day in the media. Other than that I guess I agree with some other posters that it is the people who figure thinks out who are often also good in maths. I am not even sure how to teach that and if traditional maths at school helps.
- tptacek 4y ago
  You asked "what's the solution here". I'm just saying: there are solutions here, and they aren't abstract. Is there a widespread belief that the current US high school math sequence is good? I feel like I've read a lot of different takes, many from mathematicians and scientists, about why it's not good.
  - misslibby 4y ago
    The question was in reply to the argument that maths should be abolished or toned down because it makes kids miserable. So if that is the criterion, what about all the other subjects that make kids miserable. I personally enjoyed maths, but other subjects made me miserable. I don't think that means everything is fine as it is, but also that simply getting rid of subjects because people don't enjoy them may be too much.