http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/03/160324-math-stem-education-hacker-opinion/

With regard to Dr. Hacker’s views expressed in this article, respectfully, if I understand them correctly, I believe Dr. Hacker misses the question. Surely, advanced math, as Dr. Hacker defines it, is likely only to be used on a daily earning a living basis by scientists and professional mathematicians, agreed.

However, as an engineer, and an educator in math at the secondary and tertiary levels, I never so reduced mathematical pedagogy to this narrow a focus. It teaches logic. It teaches attention to detail. It teaches systematized thinking and systems approach to problem solving. It tests for creativity and talent in facing novel scenarios. It tests adherence to process and procedure. It tests perseverance.

Now, if Dr. Hacker were to simply expand his definition of what is the benefit of teaching advanced math, I am confident he would concur and see the practicality, perhaps even the beauty of God’s language of the Universe beyond the strictly and narrowly defined utilitarian, wage earning benefits.  The subject is amoral.  If students struggle, it says, and has far greater benefits with regards to the students, themselves.