I agree with your basic concept.  I dislike this type of problem as being obvious contrived.  This is especially galling in basic Algebra where it is so easy to take genuine and real world problems from things like managing money, basic Newtonian physics, etc that are real and that will see in other contexts, even if only other classes.<p>I really think you are right that most students would be better served with emphasis on problem solving that is at least more like real world problems and less obviously contrived.<p>I disagree with your renaming suggestion.  For one thing, you will need to split students by ability long before high school, so what would be "Year 1 Math" for one student might be more appropriate as "Year 2 Math" for another.  That makes a lot more sense if you have names like "Pre-algebra" and "Algebra".  Also having meaningful names will make it easier when they go to college (for those that go).