HUFFINGTON POST / AP: The Texas Board of Education gave preliminary approve Thursday to dropping algebra II as a requirement for high school students to graduate, over the objections of critics who say the state is watering down its academic standards…
Many academic experts and school administrators had argued that algebra II specifically is a key prerequisite for success both in college and beyond. But some trade groups argued that plenty of high-paying jobs are available in Texas without a college degree or high-level math.
Texas’ current curriculum standards already let students earning a diploma on the minimum academic plan to graduate without algebra II — and about 20 percent of students do. But critics fear the changes will allow more to do so… (more)
