Education reformers often bemoan that schools never shed programs that are no longer needed or effective. New school initiatives are consequently layered on top of past practices, which means schools become overburdened and educators struggle to implement new ideas—all of which is costly.
But reformers often seem less likely to ask the same questions of curriculum despite changing world conditions.
Algebra is a prime example. It’s seen as a gateway course to college success, with a bevy of research to support the contention.