I am posting this article, which has, itself, been reposted.
We have been told that Algebra is a 'gateway' course. That notion has come from data looked at from a certain perspective. I take a different view and am thrilled to see that Valerie Strauss and Roger C. Schank agree.
In stripping the Arts, Vocational Arts, Fine Arts, Music, Physical Education, Foreign Language and the Humanities, from the middle school and high school curriculum, we have removed areas of interest where many students found their passion and bliss or found something that they were good at, something they could own. What a shame.
No, Algebra Isn't Necessary