I follow what's going on in classrooms.  I thought Algebra had crept quite far down into the grades.  Now someone wants to drop an Algebra requirement in colleges because it's too hard for students! Do they not take Algebra in high school? The California High School Proficiency Examination includes algebraic questions. Read the articles below and share your reactions and thoughts with us.  I would love to hear your comments -math teachers, principals, parents too. Do you use algebra in the course of doing business, around the home? I use addition, subtraction, and geometry fairly often but use algebra almost daily.

Temple Grandin's mother knew the key to mastering a skill.  Read about her remarkable success with her autistic daughter and consider the lesson whenit comes to Algebra. By the way, have you ever watched the movie about Temple Grandin.  It's inspiring; it's a lesson in perseverence and compassion.

Please recommend our newsletter to new friends so they won't miss a few tidbits of wisdom from our author contributors, and as always our many fun events! We cannot fit them all into this newsletter.  Check the online calendar.

Have a great summer weekend with the family!  Parmalee

Say Goodbye To X+Y: Should Community Colleges Abolish Algebra?

Algebra is one of the biggest hurdles to getting a high school or college degree - particularly for students of color and first-generation undergrads.

It is also the single most failed course in community colleges across the country. So if you're not a STEM major (science, technology, engineering, math), why even study algebra? Read the rest of the NPR interview>>>>

California College Chancellor Wants To Abolish Algebra Requirement, Calls It A "Civil Rights Issue'

Eloy Ortiz Oakley, chancellor of California Community Colleges, made the argument while speaking with NPR. He pegged algebra as overly burdensome due to the disproportionate rate at which it prevents students from graduating from community colleges; nearly 50 percent of community college students do not complete their math requirement. Read More>>>>

No, California, Requiring Students to Take Algebra Is Not a 'Civil Rights' Issue. Allowing Them to Skip It Is

By Kyle Becker

Drop algebra.

This is the radical proposal making the rounds in California after it was floated by the chancellor of its community college system. Read Kyle Becker's opinion>>>>

10 Everyday Reasons Why Algebra is Important in your Life

What are 20 uses of algebra in our daily life?

Will I Use Algebra in my Everyday Life?

What do you think?!

April 18, 2017, Marilyn Lord

The first book I read by Temple Grandin described her mother's insistence that her young daughter learn manners. Her mother never said "stop" or "don't"; she did not get upset, she simply stated what the correct behavior was and ensured Temple followed through. Recalling my own early days as a mother, I had the same focus, but not the formula. My children's manners seemed to be the public indicator of my success as a parent. When you are new at parenting, that is a clear mile marker and you want to get there fast.

When my daughter started her ABA program at age 3½ so many years ago, she did not know the difference between a ball or a shoe. She could not execute a simple command like "give" or "bring". She did; however, understand "eat that in the kitchen!". Why is that? I believe it is because I made that rule a priority and it was important enough to me that I did not waiver at the first (or hundredth) effort otherwise. I still remember my little girl pressing her tiny toes to the edge of the threshold testing my resolve. That was my first glimpse into her hidden intelligence. Continue>>>>