[MATHEDCC] Algebra (fwd)

Rob Kimball (rlkimbal@WTCC-GW.WAKE.TEC.NC.US)
Tue, 10 Jun 1997 09:03:46 -0400 (EDT)

I just returned from DC as a representative of AMATYC to the
NCTM/NSF sponsored Algebra Symposium, K-14. Discussions centered
around algebra in the K-14 curriculum: what should be taught, when
it should be taught and how to teach it. (more in the AMATYC NEWS
next time)

The elementary curriculum already contains elements of algebra,
some geometry and elements of statistics. These themes run through
the middle school grades as well. It appears that even though
many states are adopting an "algebra for all" approach that the
course, "Algebra I" as we know it will (has?) disappear. The high
school curriculum soon may not contain an algebra course since many
of the topics would have been taught K-8 in an integrated approach.
That would leave room for a next course that contains applications
of algebra, geometry, statistics and discrete topics.

All of this is said to ask this question, What does this mean
for our developmental courses? Should we continue to make students
struggle through Pre-algebra 050, Beginning Algebra 060, Intermediate
Algebra 070, 0xx...? Or, ...

Robert L Kimball 919-662-3602 (Office)
Chair, Mathematics and Physics Dept 919-266-0850 (Home)
Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC 27603-5696

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