Texas Considers Dropping Algebra II From High School Diploma Requirements

The New York Times (4/12, Smith, Subscription Publication) reports, "As Texas re-examines what students must learn to earn a high school diploma, a single math course has attracted more attention than any other part of the state's curriculum." The House has voted to "drop algebra II as a core diploma requirement." That "has raised alarm from business leaders and national advocacy groups concerned about how the changes might affect academic achievement in the state, particularly for low-income and minority students." Achieve President Mike Cohen said that "if Texas moves away from those requirements...it will threaten the progress it has made in closing gaps among white, black and Hispanic students." Yet, "some education researchers caution against overstating the importance of advanced algebra in preparing for college and career success."