Minnesota Tried Algebra for all Eighth Graders - It Hasn’t Gone Well

Some places are moving to universal early algebra. Minnesota has required it for years — with less-than-promising results.

On October 25, 2024, 14-year-old Peyton Schulz focuses intently as he works through his class assignment in Mr. Loy’s algebra class, at Braham Area High School in Braham, Minnesota.

BRAHAM, Minn. — It was fourth-period Basic Algebra 8 class on a gray October morning at Braham Area High School. Teacher Rick Riccio had assigned an exercise on converting la…