How can educational standards be the same for everyone if we all learn differently?

From our Summer Intern, Heidi:

The daily journal recently published an article "Math standards cheered-with some concern" which really caught my attention. As a person who is less than stellar at mathematics, I felt saddened by what I read. California recently adopted the Common Core Standards "which makes small changes to the English curriculum and introduce[s] algebra to students earlier." Students in the state of California will be required to take algebra 1 in eighth grade, rather than having the option to take it later in high school. I was disheartened by this because I struggled with algebra 1 in high school and even now in college. If it weren't for the basic math class I took in eighth grade, I would have lacked the skills necessary to progress to algebra. Everyone learns at their own pace and we all possess different strengths. I wouldn't have been able to pass an algebra class in middle school; however, that in no way reflects my abilities as a student overall. I am entering my second year of college in a few weeks, and I am proud to say I have received straight A's in all of my college courses. I do not want to see a student be denied access to high school or college because they are not proficient in every subject when they are talented in others.