What Kind of Math Matters?

Some experts say the push for higher-level coursework isn’t a good fit with the skills used in the workplace.

By Sean Cavanagh

Few education issues elicit as much resolute support from political and business leaders as the call for higher standards in mathematics. The idea of requiring students to complete more years of math—and more demanding math— while in high school continues to gain traction, driven largely by the belief that students will need stronger skills to compete in tomorrow’s economy.

But what if tomorrow’s economy requires something less?

As states increase academic requirements, some researchers and labor experts say the push for more rigorous math study actually doesn’t fit with the skills that employers, even those in...