http://www.edsource.org/today/2012/state-board-gets-authority-to-pare-back-8th-grade-math-standards/20533#.UGdvBFXA-Ib
For me, it seems a lot of the "8th grade algebra" argument is distorted by putting too much trust in course titles and not fully understanding the scope (and hopefully, depth) of the standards at 8th and 9th grade. Add to that various egos and the political advantages for "pushing for higher standards" and I fear we ignore that our goal needs to focus on performing well on quality standards, and not just simply having high standards.
For me, it seems a lot of the "8th grade algebra" argument is distorted by putting too much trust in course titles and not fully understanding the scope (and hopefully, depth) of the standards at 8th and 9th grade. Add to that various egos and the political advantages for "pushing for higher standards" and I fear we ignore that our goal needs to focus on performing well on quality standards, and not just simply having high standards.