A response to Hacker's opinion piece in the Sunday New York Times, "Is Algebra Necessary," which argues for its usefulness, calls for better teaching, while acknowledges the difficulties of making that happen. Links to other blog responses to Hacker's piece.
1,000 Scientists in 1,000 Days volunteer program announced for scientists, mathematicians, engineers: "We seek scientists who are willing to volunteer to advise on curricula, answer a classroom's questions, or visit a school-for instance, to do a lab or to talk about what you do. How much you choose to participate will be up to you."