One thing I learned later in life is the teacher can be the difference between having a firm grasp of algebra or whatever math segment you choose and struggling with it. That of course applies to virtually every subject. Only after I took some math classes at the local community college did I learn how pathetic my high school math teacher was. Just because they've held the position for years doesn't mean they are good at teaching it. As for whether it should still be taught my answer is a definite yes.