Nothing about Algebra II is easy. Educators applauded lawmakers in June for dumping Algebra II as an end-of-course exam after less than half of students passed the test over its three-year existence.

I got an A in algebra II, I think. That was long ago. I do know that I have long since forgotten whatever I learned in that course and have never used it since. That has become a national problem.

CONWAY, Ark. — With its intricate mysteries of quadratics, logarithms and imaginary numbers, Algebra II often provokes a lament from high schoolers. What exactly does this have to do with real life?

More than half of students failed the state Algebra II end-of-course exam during its three-year existence. ANDREW ATTERBURY/TCPALM WochitWochit More Videos Jungle Lights display at McKee Botanical ...