High School Gets Tougher In Texas

The State Board of Education did something unusual Thursday. They passed new guidelines that actually may help Texas students. They tentatively approved raising the number of credits required to graduate from 24 to 26. This means students enrolled in the recommended course plan must now take two more classes to graduate. They are scheduled to take a final vote today.

The two new required courses will be in math and science. Currently, students must take three math courses and three science courses. Beginning in 2011, students will be required to take four math and four science courses. Here are the requirements:

MATH
1. algebra I
2. algebra II
3. geometry
4. an elective math such as statistics or pre-calculus

SCIENCE
1. biology
2. chemistry
3. physics
4. an elective science such as aquatic science or engineering

This is a step in the right direction. For years now, the U.S. has been falling behind, especially in math and science. For the really good and really bad students, this won't make much difference. The really bad ones are probably going to drop out or take the easier route [there is a minimum plan which requires 22 credits and parental permission]. The really good ones will learn this stuff whether you teach it to them or not because they are motivated. The new rules really address the mass of students in the middle. These students can no longer slide through high school the easiest way. This also means our college-bound students will be better prepared to do college-level work when they get there.

This has been needed for a while now. Kids are just like almost everyone else in that they do what is expected and little more. Now, more will be expected. That is a good thing.