Still Hazy after All These Years?

The article offers reflections on the teaching of algebra in elementary schools in reference to the article "Algebra in the Elementary Schools," by James H. Shipley in 1912. Shipley proposed an algebraic approach to teaching arithmetic. The author of this article addresses issues related to mathematics curriculum, mathematics testing, misconceptions of students' capabilities, and the purpose of mathematics study. The author remarks that the goal of teachers today is to educate everyone and believes that the education system of the United States is resistant to change.