Math in high school

[greekguy]

this is an issue that's been bothering me the past 2 years, so i think i'll share it with you guys. i've become convinced that advanced math, such as (advanced) Algebra, Geometry, and Trig should not be required to graduate high school. basically, i think this because the majority of people who graduate high school won't need this info at any point in their lives. only jobs such as engineers, scientists, math teachers, etc. will need to know this stuff. i don't plan on going into a career where advanced math is needed, so why should i be required to learn this to graduate high school? it's a waste of my time and useless to me!! IMO, these topics should be taught in elective math classes, for people who are interested in math and hope to continue with math in the future.

IMO, the only math i need to know in life is the basic 4 operations, fractions, percents, decimals, and some knowledge in solving basic equations.

 

[Tycoon101]

I disagree, teens will need to know these things for later life costs. (Trust me)

Algebra is useful for monetary handling and the like,
Geometry is good for cooking and the use of space to figure out object dilemmas,
And the others can be used for various things that might not pop out to you at such a young age.

Mathematics is essential, even if you do not plan on being an engineer.

 

[warpus]

this is an issue that's been bothering me the past 2 years, so i think i'll share it with you guys. i've become convinced that advanced math, such as (advanced) Algebra, Geometry, and Trig should not be required to graduate high school.

I agree that advanced math should not be taught in high-school, but it isn't. The things you consider advanced are .. math basics.

 

[Bluemofia]

For us, we only need to learn 2 years, up to Geometry to graduate. (or something that requires Algebra I as a prerequesite)

And that's pretty sad. I took Geometry in Middle School, and basically the things taught there will be used, eventually in ways you haven't thought of.

 

[History_Buff]

You should be required to take it because it teaches a thinking method. And, as said, the math you are learning is by no means advanced. Most of it was figured out by guys living in Marble buildings thousands of years ago. If anything, Highschool Students should be required to take discrete math, which is mostly proofs of various theorems. It's hard, but it really helps you.

 

[woody60707]

I think the OP is on the right track. Basic Algebra is needed, but when we have kids getting out of highschool who can't read, we shouldn't be wasting money on on AP trig and Calc when that money could be better spent on a smaller class size

 

[greekguy]

I agree that advanced math should not be taught in high-school, but it isn't. The things you consider advanced are .. math basics.

Quadriatic equations, radicals, and triangle similiarty theorems are some examples of what i consider "advanced" math. i don't see myself using any of those things when i'm older.

 

[vbraun]

I think the OP is on the right track. Basic Algebra is needed, but when we have kids getting out of highschool who can't read, we shouldn't be wasting money on on AP trig and Calc when that money could be better spent on a smaller class size

So what would those people that would take the Calc classes in High School take instead?

I refuse to allow the not as smart to hold back the smart.

 

[greekguy]

You should be required to take it because it teaches a thinking method. And, as said, the math you are learning is by no means advanced. Most of it was figured out by guys living in Marble buildings thousands of years ago. If anything, Highschool Students should be required to take discrete math, which is mostly proofs of various theorems. It's hard, but it really helps you.

but there must be other ways to teach thinking methods then teaching stuff that most people don't really need. for example, how will i use factoring when i'm older. i learned it in Algebra I, i'm using it somewhat in Geo/Trig, and i've been told my teacher this year that Algebra II is loaded with factoring, which i'm taking next year. so, when will i use this after i finish my education?

 

[Perfection]

I think the OP is on the right track. Basic Algebra is needed, but when we have kids getting out of highschool who can't read, we shouldn't be wasting money on on AP trig and Calc when that money could be better spent on a smaller class size

So I shouldn't have been allowed to take advanced classes because other students were stupid?
Putting kids in classes that are too easy for them is never a good thing. Putting the extremes of students in the same classes will result in both extremes getting shortchanged. And really, the impact of differentiation on class sizes isn't all that great.

Now as for the OP. Elementary algebra geometry and trig. are needed for many many fields (like most vaguely technical fields) and are often assumed to be known in higher education. It would be irresponsible for a high school not to teach it.

 

[The Great Apple]

*mutters something rude about quadratic equations not being advanced algebra*

You may find it suprising, but some of these things can be rather useful. Out of interest, what career are you interested in? I'm sure there will be a use for this sort of maths, or at least training in this sort of thinking, in it.

 

[greekguy]

So I shouldn't have been allowed to take advanced classes because other students were stupid?
Putting kids in classes that are too easy for them is never a good thing.

Now as for the OP. Elementary algebra geometry and trig. are needed for many many fields (like most vaguely technical fields) and are often assumed to be known in higher education. It would be irresponsible for a high school not to teach it.

but why should i be required to learn those subjects to graduate high school, even though i'm 100% sure i don't want to make a living in the fields of science or math or anything technical like that?

 

[vbraun]

Problem solving helps you in any occupation.

 

[greekguy]

*mutters something rude about quadratic equations not being advanced algebra*

You may find it suprising, but some of these things can be rather useful. Out of interest, what career are you interested in? I'm sure there will be a use for this sort of maths, or at least training in this sort of thinking, in it.

i'm not quite sure right now. i'm thinking about law right now, but i'm only 15 and could change my mind. i'm pretty sure i want to do something involving law or history or poly sci.

 

[Perfection]

but why should i be required to learn those subjects to graduate high school, even though i'm 100% sure i don't want to make a living in the fields of science or math or anything technical like that?

Because you might be sure about yourself, but I don't think anyone else is sure about you. You might think you know where you stand during your teenage years, but in my observation what people think will happen to thier careers as a teenager and what actually happens is vastly different. People change careers all the time, chances are you're going to have many career changes in your life. You may at some point decide to change your career plan. Having a basic mathematical background will aid you in future training.

 

[woody60707]

So what would those people that would take the Calc classes in High School take instead?

I refuse to allow the not as smart to hold back the smart.

I think that’s where my and yours views don't jive. I see the goal of high school to teach as many kids as possible the basic skills needed in life, such as reading, writing, basic math, and ect.

 

[El_Machinae]

Quadriatic equations, radicals, and triangle similiarty theorems are some examples of what i consider "advanced" math. i don't see myself using any of those things when i'm older.

If you don't learn them while you're young, you probably never will.

And if you don't learn them, you will be seriously hampered for the rest of your life. Seriously, you'll feel stupid at least once a week. Especially when someone is able to calculate the height of a building by looking at it, or understanding how long it will take for a ball to reach the ground when it's dropped. Hell, firing a rifle is easier with some math knowledge.

Plus, when is one done learning the four basic operations? By about the time you're 13, I hope. What would you learn for the next four years? Nothing with regards to Math?

 

[The Great Apple]

I think that’s where my and yours views don't jive. I see the goal of high school to teach as many kids as possible the basic skills needed in life, such as reading, writing, basic math, and ect.

I learnt how to read an write well before High School age. Isn't this what Elementary school is for?

I'm not that hot on my knowledge of the US school system so excuse me if I'm being a muppet.

*TGA checks spelling so nobody can come up with a smart comeback about me not being able to write*

 

[vbraun]

I think that’s where my and yours views don't jive. I see the goal of high school to teach as many kids as possible the basic skills needed in life, such as reading, writing, basic math, and ect.

So those that have that before high school sit on their hands and waste some very important years? Are we training a work force that will actually be competitive this way? The smart people in other countries would already be ahead by 4 years. Reducing the entire populace down to a mediocre education won't do anyone any good.

 

[pboily]

i've become convinced that advanced math, such as (advanced) Algebra, Geometry, and Trig should not be required to graduate high school. basically, i think this because the majority of people who graduate high school won't need this info at any point in their lives.

Nobody has ever lifted weights because they think they would ever need to do 20 bench press reps (200 lbs) under 1 minute.

They bench press because they ultimately want to be able to open jars of marmelade that are stuck.

It's the same with math (or biology, or business, or whatever). I defy anybody to show me an instance where something they've learned in school (and couldn't have learned otherwise) was needed at any point in their lives.

There is math in high school (hell, there is high school) because we want citizens to be able to open figurative marmelade jars. Clearly, we are failing miserably.