An Act To Amend the Mathematics Requirements for High School Graduation

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4704,  as amended by PL 2001, c. 454, §18, is further amended to read:

§ 4704. Courses prescribed by the commissioner

The commissioner shall prescribe by rule the basic courses of study that are in alignment with the system of learning results as established in section 6209 for the elementary and secondary schools, consistent with the requirements of this chapter, and may include minimum time requirements and performance standards. The rules adopted under this section may not include a requirement that students complete an advanced algebra course.

Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §6209, sub-§2, ¶E,  as enacted by PL 1995, c. 649, §1, is amended to read:

Sec. 3. Amend rules. The Commissioner of Education shall amend the rules adopted pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 4704 by the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year to eliminate any requirement that students complete an advanced algebra course.

summary

This bill prohibits requiring the secondary course of study in schools from including an advanced algebra course and prohibits requiring students to achieve proficiency in advanced algebra. The bill requires the Commissioner of Education to amend the rules by the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year requiring students to complete an advanced algebra course.