Early-Algebra Push Seen to Be Flawed.

The article discusses a shift away from the push for all U.S. students to take algebra in ninth grade, which was prevalent in the 1990s. A study of the Chicago, Illinois public schools found that the push towards algebra resulted in higher failure rates, lower grades, no improvement in test scores and no more likelihood of attending college. Another study found that pre-algebra classes contribute to better outcomes in subsequent algebra classes.