I would not advocate for removal of algebra from middle school.
But I would consider advocating removal of add/subtract/multiply/divide facts from grades 1-5, and replace the time with learning of how to reason.
I feel like learning you math facts, rules for multiplication, etc challenge children early on, but could be taught to a naive middle school child within a couple of weeks or less. Thus teaching this to young children seems like waited effort with little transfer benefit. On the other hand, getting children interested in learning, learning how to organize thoughts into an argument, etc...there is clear benefit for that, I wonder.
I feel like learning you math facts, rules for multiplication, etc challenge children early on, but could be taught to a naive middle school child within a couple of weeks or less. Thus teaching this to young children seems like waited effort with little transfer benefit. On the other hand, getting children interested in learning, learning how to organize thoughts into an argument, etc...there is clear benefit for that, I wonder.