Why Are Algebra Teachers Out to Get Students?
The Truth About Math in School
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“You need Algebra,” every Math teacher says so.
But are they right?
Is Algebra learning a key to your long term success or just another lie the K12 system told you?
If you want to know the answer to that question — then keep reading this story.
The Algebra Fallacy
Before we get into the story, I want you to know that I started my social media channels in 2020. That’s an important tid-bit because since joining social media I have been exposed to some of the urban myths and legends being spread on social media platforms.
And one of those myths is how important Algebra is in your life.
So let’s get started.
What is Algebra?
x + 3 = 6
Even if you can’t solve for x, you probably remember this equation.
Or maybe you don’t remember this equation?
And this is where the Algebra fallacy starts to fall apart. If Algebra was a required high school course — wouldn’t that mean you “need” Algebra in your daily life?
And yet, 99% of the population never uses Algebra.
And if that’s true — then why are Algebra teachers out to get students?
Why is Algebra a Required Class for Graduation?
I spent 20 years inside the K12 system. I am a former teacher, principal and superintendent. I never taught math as a subject, but I worked with many Math teachers as a school administrator.
So I’ve heard what Math teachers say about students. And I’ve heard their frustrations with teaching Math to 21st century kids.
Which is why I keep asking the question — why is Algebra a required class for graduation?
Can we say the truth out loud? Algebra is not a 21st century skill. It’s not. Algebra was invented a very long time ago — therefore the study of Algebra has nothing to do with 21st century learning.
But the people who object to what I’m saying aren’t really Math teachers. That’s right — the people who don’t want to get rid of Algebra tend to be “corporate” types.
Like the textbook lobby and the standardized testing lobby.
And yet Math teachers get into bed with these “corporatists” and peddle their marketing and propaganda. Now, it’s entirely possible that Math teachers didn’t know they were doing that. After all, most Math teachers are so overwhelmed on a daily basis — they are just thankful to get through one day of school.
That means — they could be parroting “corporate speak” and not even know it.
But now that you do — do you have a better explanation as to why Algebra is still required for graduation?
What Should Replace Algebra?
I am well aware that if you subscribe to my account and you read most of my articles — that I am forcing you to question reality. First, I appreciate you doing that. And second — I would recommend you go through my articles slowly — so you don’t get overloaded.
The truth is — your brain should hurt a little while reading what I’m writing. And if it does — that means I’m expanding your brain capacity.
“No pain, no gain.”
But I want to be real with you for a second. I’m not bashing Algebra because I think its a useless concept. Quite the contrary, I know that Algebra is a required math for rocket scientists and engineers and other high level math professions.
The problem is that 99% of students in K12 schools will NEVER go into those future careers. Which is why I’m asking the question.
Why is it required for 100% of students?
If I was running your local high school — and I ran a high school and also was a superintendent — we decided to offer Algebra as an elective.
Therefore, if students were not learning Algebra — what did we replace that class with?
And the answer was 21st century skills.
Supporting Teacher Pay Raises
Now I know there doesn’t seem to be a direct correlation between teacher pay and Algebra — but let me explain first.
Whenever the issue of “teacher pay” comes up, there are usually two main camps people fall into:
- Teachers always deserve more
- Teachers get enough
What usually surprises people who fall into the first camp, “teachers always deserve more” is that some teachers do not agree with them. In fact, there are many teachers who fall into the second camp, “teachers make enough.”
I bring that up because, we need to establish that it’s hard to get 100% of teachers to support any issue, even if the issue is teacher pay. But here’s where the correlation comes into play.
Why do the teachers who want more money, not make enough money in the first place?
Before you try and answer that question — I want you to think about this for a moment. Every certified teacher in America is a college graduate. And because every teacher went to college — that means they all had to take Algebra at some point in their schooling.
So if that’s a fact — how come teachers can’t use Algebra to make more money?
Do You Want to Support Teachers and Schools?
Maybe you’ve never looked at the situation from this angle before. And if that’s the case — it’s not your fault. I have been studying the K12 system for the last 20 years.
And I’ve conducted more academic research on the topic than most K12 educators and doctoral students combined.
What that means is — that I understand where things fall through the cracks and also how to fill those gaps. And that’s what I’d like to do — fill in the gaps of our education system.
But I need your help.
Therefore, if you want to support teachers and schools — there’s something you can do.
It doesn’t require a lot of effort or even time — but it does require your action. So if you want to know what you can do — please keep reading.
The biggest challenge teachers are facing in 2024 is a lack of time. They have a lack of planning time, a lack of instructional time, a lack of intervention time and a lack of “personal” time. The problem is that you can’t create more time.
And because of this physical limitation — teachers are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
And there seems no way out of the problem.
But that’s just a perception. The truth is there is a way out from under this burden. That’s right — there is a way to give teachers more time during the school day and also in their personal lives.
But it requires all of us to stop the gaslighting and just admit that students don’t need Algebra in the 21st century. Not all students, but most students. And when we admit that truth — and allow high schools to make Algebra class a math elective — it frees teachers up from spinning their wheels.
But this isn’t going to be easy. Like I said before, the people who want to keep Algebra a requirement — have a corporate agenda. And they won’t back down if only one or two people stand up to them. Unfortunately, this is going to take a grassroots effort to say “No More Algebra Requirement!”
Time to Take Action!
I need to be very clear. If you take on this challenge and stand up to the “corporate interests” you are showing your bravery and courage in the face of insurmountable odds.
But change begins with one small act, then grows into several small acts, then grows into a massive grassroots movement.
So here’s the one small act you need to do:
- Post #nomorealgebra on your social media and tag me @ theschooldoc on X or IG.
If you want to create a graphic with the # — even better, but the key is to post it, tag me and also try and get other people to post it as well. If we can get the # to trend on social media — then the Mainstream Media will pick up the story.
And at that point — I can make the arguments to the public and to the government.
None of us have the power to change anything — but we do have the power to make the people in positions of power lives miserable. And to be quite honest — why should the “privileged class” be happy?
If you decided to run for public office — you agreed to listen to the “people’s issues” and this is a big issue that is affecting more teachers than you realize and is the cornerstone of why our school system fails to prepare kids for the future.
I hope you enjoyed this story and thank you for all the support. If you know a K12 myth you’d like me to debunk, please share it with me in the comments. If you like these types of stories, please hit the follow button.
