Emphasis on Algebra Is Hard to Figure Out
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Re “No Algebra, No Graduation,” Oct. 6:
Although I took two years of algebra, including advanced algebra when in high school more than 40 years ago, I have never found a use for it in any job I have held. Students will need basic arithmetic, however.
A study by the San Diego Community College District discovered that both blue-collar and white-collar employers wanted workers who could interpret written documents and write paragraphs that were clear and intelligible.
They also wanted workers who could follow instructions and work in groups. Algebra was not valued by either class of employer.
Better that the state mandate passing an English exam that includes being able to write whole sentences using subject-verb concordance correctly, correct pronouns, paragraphing, punctuation, spelling and interpreting written documents.
Thurber D. Proffitt III
Orange
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