Student Achievement Committee

"We live in a world where technological innovation and global competition are increasing at a pace never before seen. Now is the time to invest in our children to make sure they are prepared to succeed in the 21st century." — U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings

Does increasing math and science requirements benefit my child?

This proposal is critical to your student’s financial future. Your student deserves as good of an education as students in 38 other states (like Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, West Virginia). Better education means a better life – more choices, greater success.

Fact - In 1983, the landmark A Nation at Risk report recommended that high school students be required to take a minimum of three years of math and three years of science to graduate. Yet today, only 22 states and the District of Columbia require at least this amount to graduate in the class of 2006.

Source Department of Education

Does this legislation make sense for Idaho students?

The answer is a resounding yes! Students need better preparation; we can spend the money now or spend more later on remediation. This proposal to increase math and science requirements is critical to the economic future of the state and the students.

Fact - 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.

Fact - According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs requiring science, engineering or technical training will increase 24 percent between 2004 and 2014 to 6.3 million.

Not every student needs Math and Science? Isn’t it going to be at the cost of Arts and humanities?

Yes, every student needs math and science because they teach critical thinking skills students need to succeed. No, it is not going to be at the cost of the arts and humanities. This proposal is critical to the financial future of Idaho students.

Fact - 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.

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.

Special thanks to AMIS, INL, Microsoft, and the Micron Foundation for sponsoring the IBCEE Math and Science campaign. Also, special thanks to es/drake and others involved in the creative work and placement of the commercials.

If you have any questions or comments please email comments@ibcee.org

P.O. Box 190163 Boise ID 83719 — 208.489.3533