School District Dumbs Down Math Program to Make All Students Equal

Do you think this is a good idea?

In an attempt to keep school-age children on a level playing field, the Virginia Department of Education has approved a plan to eliminate its advanced math programs up until 11th grade.

Among the plan's opponents is Loudoun County school board member Ian Serotkin, who says it will unfairly hold back higher-achieving students. "As currently planned, this initiative will eliminate all math acceleration prior to 11th grade," Serotkin says. "That is not an exaggeration, nor does there appear to be any discretion in how local districts implement this."

In accordance with the plan, courses like Algebra 1 and Geometry will no longer be taught to students below the 11th grade level, says committee member Ian Shenk. One parent says the change will "lower standards for all students in the name of equity." How might this change affect smarter students who no longer feel challenged?