Stage Seven: Original editorial or commentary #2
In Morgan Smith’s “Education Chairmen Join Algebra II Fray at SBOE” article, I learned about opposing views
on the subject matter of whether algebra II should be included as a required
course for high school students to graduate. I found it rather amusing to hear
both sides’ claims.
The Senate Education
Chairman, Dan Patrick, had this to say, “The idea that we think as a
board or a Legislature that every one of those 5 million students must have
algebra II to live the American dream is fool's gold.” While Celina
Moreno, staff attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education
Fund argued, “The inclusion of algebra II is critical to ensure students'
opportunities aren't limited going forward.” I can see where both sides
are coming from. To add on to Patrick’s opinion, House Public Education
Chairman Jimmie Don Aycock mentioned, “There are many children that we are
crowding to the side of the system because they do not see relevance in their
courses.”
My two
cents are as follows. I understand what Patrick is saying, and I believe it
holds some truth to what he is saying. While algebra II is a big hindrance in
students graduating from high school, not to mention, most of them will never
again use it after they take the class, I concur with Moreno’s sentiment. I am
a high school graduate, who HAD to take algebra II, although I failed it
because of lack of comprehension, I still saw the benefits of taking the
course. Ultimately, I was on par with my fellow classmates in the end who
proceeded to take pre-calculus. After taking pre-calculus, I stopped and no
longer continued on to calculus. That’s where Aycock proves a great point. Many
children, including myself when I was in their shoes a couple years ago, do not
see the relevance in taking many courses because in the end it does not hold
any part to their success later on in life.
This is my
personal sentiment. I believe those who want to pursue higher education even if
it is community college, should be required to take algebra II. Taking algebra
II at the minimal was my saving grace because for one the concepts stuck. Proof
of this was I passed the TAKS with a commended performance which ultimately
allows me to be able to take “college mathematics” as a substitute for college
algebra and have my math credits accounted for and done. I enjoy math, but I
won’t be doing it for the rest of my life. Math fascinates me but indeed it is definitely
not my forte - I don’t absolutely need it for my intended career. I also was
spared of taking math placement tests and classes that I already took prior in
high school. Algebra II is important for those who want to be successful in college;
Texas government needs to at least keep the education at this standard. It is
not too high – I think Algebra II should be just the minimal all students
should take if they hope to achieve have a decent high school diploma.
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