Monday, February 10, 2014

On January 31st, 2014, The Texas Tribune published the article "SBOE Repeals Algebra II as Graduation Requirement". The State Board of Education voted that algebra II should be repealed as a graduation requirement for all Texas public schools. Statistics and algebraic reasoning are two alternative courses that will be offered for students to choose from. Both of these courses will be designed by the Texas Education Agency and local schools to meet equal rigorous demands as algebra II. Last year in May, Legislature passed the House Bill 5 which aims to remodel the high school curriculum. The goal is to allow more career training opportunities for students that don't wish to continue their education after high school. Depending on what specialized areas students will go into should determine what math courses they take.
There are varying opinions from the board about this legislation. One member argued that the Legislature passed down the hard work of filling in the details which they avoided doing themselves. On the other hand another member argued in favor, saying that Legislature believed in the board and trusted them enough to make the best decision in order to represent their districts. Dropping algebra II as a graduation requirement means that school districts will be more flexible, but this increased responsibility could prove to be burdensome for counselors.
I believe that this article is worth reading because it informs everyone involved in obtaining an education how the system will change. Even though it's not sure how replacing algebra II as a graduation requirement will impact students continuing their education. I think it's important to look at how the alternative courses will be designed to meet the high requirements.

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