Thoughts on Algebra

Several people have written letters proclaiming that because they have never needed algebra in their everyday lives, students should not be forced to take it. Might the same thing be said for English literature and world history? If direct relevance to the real world is the only reason we send children to school, then any education after middle school is unnecessary. But, as we all know, there are other reasons to learn things. The critical-thinking skills developed by studying a variety of subjects have far more value than simply being able to solve an equation.

Joshua Belsky

Santa Monica