Reduce Inequality by Making Everyone Poor

(Image from Algebra I Review)

Back in the 1960's my school had two Algebra classes for 7th-grade kids who showed some aptitude in math, and the rest of our age group took Algebra in 8th grade.

It's a sign of how education has regressed that no one is offered Algebra I in San Francisco in middle school, even if a student is capable. Worse, the deliberate holding back is being done in the name of equity. [bold added]

For years, San Francisco public schools have been caught up in a bitter debate over the district’s math curriculum. A vocal group of parents has argued that the district’s decision to delay teaching Algebra I until high school hobbles children who are ready to take the math course in middle school. But some experts and district leaders have argued that pushing back algebra can level the playing field for kids who are struggling in math.

This is what happens when you put Progressive ideologues in charge of education. They reduce inequality (how that ever become the objective instead of encouraging children to develop their individual gifts is baffling) by hamstringing the top performers, as opposed to lifting up those on the bottom.

This ideology would have a talented musician play basic chords until the tone-deaf can catch up, or have track athletes wear ankle weights so the slower kids can keep pace.

Give the advanced kids as much as they can handle, and offer extra help to those who are struggling--and here's an idea--try to make it fun.