In an effort to better answer the call of competition, this year the legislature enacted a law requiring students to take more math and science to graduate.
A new law requires the commissioner of education to immediately begin a review of the state’s academic benchmarks, standards, and vocational programs to ensure that students are prepared for postsecondary education. Provisions of the new law are effective June 1, 2006, unless stated otherwise.
Future high school graduates must take more required math and science courses to graduate. Beginning in the 2010-11 school year, students must successfully complete algebra I by the end of eighth grade. Beginning with the class of 2015, students must complete an algebra II credit or its equivalent, as well as a chemistry or physics credit. In addition to other specified science course requirements, the new law adds agriculture science as a class that may be used to fulfill a science credit requirement. (Art. 2, Sec. 3)
