I chimed in on another forum in regards to an older adult claiming kids are stupid (More or less) today, and don't know squat about squat (Particularly, in the science realm).

Why do adults, especially older adults, assume kids are getting a dumbed down education today?

I had to explain, my son in 8th grade is currently covering vector math, a subject we just started on in my College Math II class. The other son, in the 6th grade, is learning the structure and functions of the entire cardio-pulmonary system. They cover the EM spectrum in 3rd and 4th grade these days, whereas that was a high school level subject when most of the adults were in school (If not first year college).

I mean, is it because kids don't learn a slide rule, and a focus in math classes these days isn't rote 2x4, 2x5, 2x6, 2x7; and instead focused on mathematical concepts like imaginary numbers, rationalization of expressions (Calculator welcomed on test, BTW)? Or, is it just a "Get off mah lawn! We didn't do it that way back then!" kinda thing?

Personally, I'm amazed at how advanced the classes in grade school are these days...