The University of California (UC) is being urged to reconsider its math requirement, specifically algebra 2, as not every student may need it. Suggestions include replacing calculus with statistics in high school math sequences and introducing courses focusing on critical thinking and skepticism. There are debates on whether teaching statistical literacy, like chi^2-tests, would be more beneficial. The discussion also involves concerns about the quality of opinion articles citing letters supporting data science over algebra 2 for equity.
This is opinion article in the @latimes by the editorial board is quite poor quality, for multiple reasons: 1) It cites a letter to the Regents by the Cal Black Engineering and Science Alumni Club making it seem like the letter supports data science over Alg 2 for equity, but… https://t.co/pxqRi88GU7
Also, whay fraction of people actually meaningfully learn calc in high school. You'd more likely need to replace algebra 2 or something. I thonk what we really need is a required practical and broad-reaching "critical thinking and skepticism" course. https://t.co/tpGPT67Ul4
When people say we should replace calculus in the high school math sequence by "statistics" what they often mean is something like, "it would be good if students had some statistical literacy." But it is not clear to me that teaching about e.g. chi^2-tests would provide this!
Editorial: Not every student needs algebra 2. UC should be flexible on math requirement (via @latimesopinion) https://t.co/e4tRxfAPov https://t.co/N8TXrak743
Editorial: Not every student needs algebra 2. UC should be flexible on math requirement (via @latimesopinion ) https://t.co/e4tRxfAPov