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1. Why more math and science?
- Currently, the only subject an Idaho high school student is required to take all four years is English. Math and science are required for only two years on a statewide basis. Idaho is one of the lowest states in the U.S. in this regard. 38 states have more rigorous requirements for high school graduation, including (among others) Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia and Utah. Idaho students deserve as good of an education as other students in this country.
- Math and science are fundamental to a quality, well rounded education. Math and science help students see patterns, develop logic and enhance concentration. These are abilities businesses look for in their employees and are qualities that distinguish successful people.
- 90% of the fastest growing jobs require post-secondary education. This proposal is critical to the ability of Idaho students to compete for jobs. And it means more jobs in Idaho. This proposal is key to the economic future of the state and our students.
2. Does every student need to complete Algebra II?
- No. The proposal requires every student to take algebra I and geometry, or classes that meet those standards, including professional technical classes.
3. Why do students need more math and science if they aren’t on a math/science track?
- The proposal aims to keep students active in the fundamental areas of reading, writing and arithmetic through high school. If a student is not going on to college, it’s even more important that he or she has a firm grasp of these fundamentals to be ready for the workplace.
- In our fast changing economy every job involves science, math, or the critical thinking skills math and sciences teach students.
- For students already taking more than 3 years of math and science, these changes will have little impact.
4. Will this proposal limit other electives?
- No. The proposed rule change adds only four credits or two classes. A student, depending on his or her district’s schedule, would have a minimum of 17 and upwards of 35 credits of electives.
5. Will drop-out rates increase?
- There is no evidence that drop-out rates will increase. In fact, data in states where these kinds of requirements have already been implemented indicates the opposite is true. States like Indiana, Texas, and Virginia have not seen a notable increase in dropouts.
- Research suggests that students who are academically challenged stay in school. This is consistent among every socioeconomic and minority group. Studies show students drop out because they aren’t challenged, not because school is too hard.
6. Why not focus on elementary and middle school math instruction?
- Test scores show Idaho students doing well in elementary school. As students get older, test scores decline. 90 percent of Idaho’s 3rd and 4th graders meet math standards, but by 10th grade, less than 70 percent meet the standard. ACT also found that less than 20 percent of test takers were prepared in math and science.
7. Will rural schools be able to meet these new requirements?
- Several of Idaho’s most rural districts already require more math and science. Schools districts like Challis, Glenns Ferry, and Soda Springs require more than Boise. It is vital that ALL Idaho students leave high school prepared for post-secondary education or the workplace, including our rural students.
8. Will this proposal become an unfunded mandate?
- The funding required for this proposal is roughly $12 million in 2013. The state of Idaho appropriates more than one billion dollars to public schools, so it will cost less than 1 percent of the budget. There is also a “phase-in” period so the Legislature can plan for the funding.
- It is better to invest in the education of Idaho students now than to pay more later in college remediation, social services and corrections as our students struggle to succeed. It costs 10 times the amount to remediate a student in college than in high school.
9. Will we be able to hire enough math and science teachers?
- Yes. The proposal will be phased in over seven years. Seven years will provide us enough time to proactively address recruitment and retention of the necessary math and science teachers.
- The State Board of Education is working with legislators, superintendents and school boards and public/private partnerships to develop incentives to increase the labor pool of high-quality math and science teachers.
10. Will this proposal increase students attending and finishing higher education?
- The proposal will bring Idaho’s high school graduation requirements into alignment with Idaho’s college and university entrance requirements. Currently, an Idaho student could graduate from an Idaho high school (depending on his or her district) and not have enough math and science courses to attend post secondary education in Idaho.
- Studies have consistently shown that the more academically engaged students are throughout high school, particularly in their later years, the more likely it is the students will attend college.
- More than 40 percent of Idaho college freshman take non-credit remedial courses. Nearly two out of three Boise State University students who enroll in pre-college level math classes get a D, an F, or drop the course. Math is the gateway college course. If a student does not pass math in college there is a greater likelihood he or she will not finish a college degree. More than half the students, who get lower than a C in a 10th-grade level algebra class at BSU, do not continue their degree.
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Video Clips
Click on the images below to watch video clips that were created for IBCEE's Student Achievement Committee. These videos are being played all across the state of Idaho
in an effort to inform parents and other influencers about the importance of increasing Math & Science requirements for our high school students. Learn More >>
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