Illinois Lawmaker Calls For Additional Year Of High School Math

WCCU-TV Springfield, IL (3/1, Fryer) reports on its website that Illinois "State Sen. Mike Frerichs, D-Gifford, introduced Senate Bill 3244 that would require students to take four years of math, instead of the current three, to meet graduation requirements." Opposing the proposed measure, Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville said "not every kid can do upper level math and be successful... Employers don't necessarily want someone who can do calculus." The article notes that the business community "echoed Luechtefeld's concerns," while the GOP-lawmaker added "that another year of math would create a financial burden for the school districts." Frerichs subsequently said that he will be "working on amending the bill, so that courses, such as drafting and wood shop, could meet the proposed requirement."