[nextstep]

I agree with what you are saying, and I think algebra is an incredibly important skill. However, the article touches on an underlying issue that I think is true: the US education system does not prepare people for certain jobs that are in high demand. Many jobs that could be learned at a vocational or "trade" school don't require much high school math.

[gersh]

You need Algebra even for "trade" school. According to http://www.njatc.org/training/apprenticeship/index.aspx, you need "One Year of High School Algebra" to become an electrician. I think the same is true for other trades.