Crow Talk

Supt. Dorn Calls for Changes to Math, Science Graduation Requirements
Proposal calls for continuation of current math requirement through 2014

SEATTLE--Citing major concerns with the passing rates on the high school math and science exams, State Superintendent Randy Dorn has proposed significant changes to the math and science graduation requirements. Dorn will unveil his proposal today at the annual conference of the Washington State School Directors Association.

Dorn said students and schools will need more time with new math and science learning standards that are now being implemented around the state. The new standards won't be assessed until 2011 for math and 2012 for science. That doesn't provide ample opportunity for the class of 2013, current ninth graders and the first class required to pass four state exams, to learn the standards, or teachers and schools to align curriculum and materials to them, he added.

"It doesn't take a mathematician to see that we have a big problem in our state. Less than 50 percent of our 10th graders are passing the math and science exams," said Dorn, who noted 10th graders' passing rate on the reading and writing exams is more than 80 percent. "We need to be fair to our students and give them time to learn the new standards. It's simply a matter of doing what's right."

Current law states that beginning with the class of 2013 (students in the ninth grade in the 2009-10 school year), students will be required to pass two end-of-course tests: one in Algebra I/Integrated Math I, and one in Geometry/Integrated Math II. In his proposed changes to the math graduation requirement, Dorn will ask the 2010 Legislature to:
--Continue the current requirement of either passing a state math exam or earning two credits of math after 10th grade through of the class of 2014; and
--Establish a "two-tier" bar for the math graduation requirement, beginning with the class of 2015, in which one tier (Proficient) is the goal, but another tier (Basic) is enough to earn a diploma. Students who meet Basic would be required to earn a fourth credit of math.

Using Massachusetts as a successful example, Dorn said his proposal of a two-tier system maintains the state's high standards, but also helps set a realistic passing bar for students. Requiring a fourth math credit ensures that students who don't meet Proficient on state exams will continue to build their math skills.

"We've been arguing about math for decades now," Dorn said. "We've finally got some of it right. Now we need to figure out what kids should know coming out of high school."

Dorn's proposed changes to the science graduation requirement include the creation of end-of-course exams in life sciences and physical sciences instead of using single comprehensive science test. He also proposes that the Legislature delay the science graduation requirement until 2017, after students have had time to learn the new science standards, and the new end-of-course exams have been administered for two years.

"Reading, writing and math are taught every day in our schools, but the same can't be said for science," Dorn said. "We need an increased emphasis on science instruction in elementary and middle schools so our students are better prepared for the high school graduation requirement. I also believe the end-of-course exams will assess our students' knowledge more effectively than a single comprehensive test."

Dorn emphasized that his plan for math and science is fair to students. "This is the best way to give students the education they deserve," he said. "We must maintain our high standards, but we have a rare chance to set the bar at the right level as we implement new learning standards in math and science and move to end-of-course exams."

From: OSPI. For more information, visit the OSPI website.