This part is true:
Algebra, says Devlin, is a language, a very precise language written in symbols, and it's everywhere: in nearly all electronic devices, every statistic and each Internet search engine - and, indeed, in every train leaving Boston.
"You can store information using it. You can communicate information using it," Devlin said. "Google has made billions capitalizing on algebra."
What we need is curriculum that is both interesting and comprehensible so that we can show students the applicability. Otherwise, they're closing doors on themselves before they ever leave high school.
How has Google made billions using algebra that lower-level math students can understand?
How is algebra used in electronic devices?
How does Boolean algebra work?
Help me out with these types of tools--this may come as a surprise, but I don't know everything--and let's see if we can get even more kids learning.