HOW MUCH MATH IS TOO MUCH MATH?

The State of Minnesota has increased the amount of required math from one to three years. As a teacher at an alternative school, I have many students who are extremely angry that they are being forced to take what they consider to be advanced mathematics. They feel that they are going to have careers that will not require them to perform geometric proofs or calculate the perpendicular bisector of a line segment. They feel that their futures are being put in jeopardy by making their high school graduation dependent on what they feel are ridiculous requirements.

This is my first year teaching, but I had thirty years of experience in the business world before I began my teaching career. I know that everyone needs as many analytical skills as possible. I know that the more math they have will increase their chances of success in the future. However, I recognize how much many of these students hate math. Their feelings go well beyond just a general dislike of the material. Math is associated with failure, rejection, and feelings of stupidity.

I am posting this blog in hopes that others are having similar problems and can offer some insights to a first year teacher. I have already had input that some of the requirements may be unnecessary. I have also had input that higher expectations need to be set for students for their own benefits. I have noticed that the people giving me these inputs do not ever talk to each other. In fact, they tend to have rather nasty comments to make about the other camp. Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Steve Anderson