I think we should give an Algebra assessment to every person under 50 years of age, regardless of profession. Yeah, give it to fisherman, realtors, newscasters, art teachers, politicians, contractors, painters, professional athletes, rock stars, scientists; every single American under the age of 50. Then, where people score less than "proficient," we should force them to take support classes online or in a classroom until they demonstrate that they can meet these algebra standards. Even if they have to take the class five times and have follow up tutoring sessions for several hours each week before they can demonstrate mastery, let's make it mandatory for every single citizen. This would all, of course, be in the name of becoming more competitive in our break-neck global market.
Oh, you don't think this would do anything for our country? You think this would be a colossal waste of money and time that could be used more efficiently in a million other ways? Then stop doing it to our teenagers!
Let's reform our core standards today!