American philosopher John Dewey (1859 - 1952) was one of the first to articulate that the goal of public education in the United States should be to educate all Americans to be informed and responsible participants in our democracy. Conservative advocates, such as those who wrote the 1983 government report A Nation at Risk, would argue that the purpose of public education is to prepare children to be productive workers in society - followers but not necessarily equals.
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While educational researchers have debated these positions for years, others have sought practical approaches to achieve both ends. One such person is Robert Moses, whose Algebra Project:
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...is a 501 (c) (3) national, nonprofit organization that uses mathematics as an organizing tool to ensure quality public school education for every child in America. We believe that every child has a right to a quality education to succeed in this technology-based society and to exercise full citizenship. We achieve this by using best educational research and practices, and building coalitions to create systemic changes.
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The Algebra Project furthers this mission by advancing the cause of teaching algebra to all American middle school children; recognizing that an understanding of algebra is the foundation of learning higher mathematics and applied mathematical fields such as engineering and computer science. Children who have a solid grounding in algebra are much better prepared to take advantage of the opportunities society has to offer. In this way, the learning of algebra promotes informed and equal participation in our democratic society.
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Don't take my word for it. Check out the following links to learn more:
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The Algebra Project: http://www.algebra.org/
Mother Jones: http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2002/05/moses.html
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Learn to Question:
http://www.learntoquestion.com/seevak/groups/2001/sites/moses/ap/crossover-page1.htm
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http://www.learntoquestion.com/seevak/groups/2001/sites/moses/ap/crossover-page1.htm
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Choosing Democracy:
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Civic Practices Network: http://www.cpn.org/topics/youth/k12/algebra.html
Civic Practices Network: http://www.cpn.org/topics/youth/k12/algebra.html
