If the Dropout Rate is Bad Now: Wait ?‘til 2016
Coffin?’s Corner
By David Coffin
Today?’s fourth graders will be fodder for LAUSD?’s new algebra requirement when they become high school seniors. The Algebra I requirement is a major contributor to the States dropout rate and the extremely low rate of diplomas earned by students. In 2006, the LAUSD board voted to raise the bar further making Algebra II a requirement for graduation in 2016. The requirement was introduced by former board President Jose Huizar and approved by the board approved in a 6-1. Unless the State of California also mandates this, other school districts will not have to follow their requirement.
Apparently accepting a certain level of casualties (dropouts) in meeting a curriculum that is even more stringent than the state?’s requirements, Huizar then said ?“Yes, there will be dropouts. But I?’m looking at the glass half full.?”
Algebra I is a stumbling block for most of the students that eventually forces them to assess their chances at graduation and for many, that means to drop out.
The Algebra I requirement was a result of a late 1990?’s change in California?’s curriculum that dramatically shifted the focus of educating students from professional careers to instead meeting college requirements.
In June 2006, Los Angeles Times reporter Joel Rubin wrote that ?“not passing algebra is a major reason that students drop out.?”
Coffin?’s Corner
By David Coffin
Today?’s fourth graders will be fodder for LAUSD?’s new algebra requirement when they become high school seniors. The Algebra I requirement is a major contributor to the States dropout rate and the extremely low rate of diplomas earned by students. In 2006, the LAUSD board voted to raise the bar further making Algebra II a requirement for graduation in 2016. The requirement was introduced by former board President Jose Huizar and approved by the board approved in a 6-1. Unless the State of California also mandates this, other school districts will not have to follow their requirement.
Apparently accepting a certain level of casualties (dropouts) in meeting a curriculum that is even more stringent than the state?’s requirements, Huizar then said ?“Yes, there will be dropouts. But I?’m looking at the glass half full.?”
Algebra I is a stumbling block for most of the students that eventually forces them to assess their chances at graduation and for many, that means to drop out.
The Algebra I requirement was a result of a late 1990?’s change in California?’s curriculum that dramatically shifted the focus of educating students from professional careers to instead meeting college requirements.
In June 2006, Los Angeles Times reporter Joel Rubin wrote that ?“not passing algebra is a major reason that students drop out.?”
