Go Figure

Algebra is NOT high level mathematics; rather, simple arithmetic and introductory logic. Students should be introduced to these concepts as early as possible in order to augment their learning in other subjects.
I graduated a California high school in the 1990's and returned to college in the early 2000's. I was fortunate enough to witness the impact of 10 years of mismanaged mathematical education. Most students are completely unprepared for the elementary calculus on which contemporary physics is based. These students cannot derive simple relationships such as the electrical force due to a cylinder, integrate anything other than a simple polynomial.
I can guarantee you that we learned these things in HIGH SCHOOL.. and didn't waste valuable time in lecture learning things we should have already known.
California high schools are now turning out students with a dismal level of logic and mathematical reasoning. This is due to many factors, obviously, such as standardized testing, and impacted by the increasing laziness of our coddled children, but also due to lowered expectations.
By telling our children that something as simple as symbol manipulation, like algebra, is a "difficult course", we are rationalizing their failures as acceptable, and this isn't true. Algebra is something that a simpleton can comprehend provided he expend a modicum of energy toward that goal.
Our children should be expected to understand Algebra, statistics, geometry, and simple trigonometry, as well as basic calculus by the time they complete their high school education. This isn't a pipe dream, but a basic expectation. Our world is a mathematical one (and a logical one) and the basic understanding of the foundational rules upon which every action is predicated is necessary for the cultivation of a civilized and genteel future.

Oh come on Editor, spit it out -- you want to raise taxes.

Algebra - good! Math dunces - bad!