BOISE — Members of the House Education Committee overwhelmingly adopted new rules Tuesday that increase math and science requirements for Idaho high school students.
The rule, which will first impact the graduating senior class of 2013, require that all students must take three (3) years of math and three (3) years of science as part of their high school curriculum.
"This will help Idaho students be better prepared for the challenges of higher education and the work force," said Idaho State Board of Education Director Dwight Johnson. The State Board of Education proposed the change as part of its overall vision to help Idaho students excel in high demand careers, such as engineering and technology.
The House Education Committee vote mirrored The Senate Education Committee, which voted 7-1 on Monday afternoon to adopt the same rule modifications.
"This is a great first step in the process," said Director Johnson, "As now the responsibility of funding these widely supported recommendations falls on the members of JFAC," (Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee). Funding requirements are estimated at one point five (1.5) million dollars for fiscal year 2008.
The State Board of Education worked extensively over the last twelve (12) months holding a series of public meetings, gathering input from all areas of the state about the change in standards from education stakeholders; including parents, teachers, administrators, business and county leaders and legislators. A significant result of this process was a modification in the standard which now provides for increased flexibility by including content in professional technical education (PTE) and other course offerings to meet the new standards.
To review the pending rule on High School Redesign visit: http://adm.idaho.gov/adminrules/bulletin/bul/06dec.pdf#P.37
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