DENVER-
All high school students would have to take four years of math to graduate under a measure given initial backing by the state Senate on Monday.
Starting after the summer of 2009, high school freshmen would have to pass three years of science classes and four years of math or the equivalent. School districts could still offer accelerated class work in which a one-year course would count as two years of study.
Sen. Josh Penry, R-Fruita, said Colorado is one of only six states that doesn’t have statewide graduation requirements and 30 percent of Colorado’s 2004 high school graduates enrolled in remedial courses in college. He said the tougher requirements would help Colorado compete for high-paying science and engineering jobs.
The proposal (Senate Bill 131) won support from eight Democrats, including Sen. Peter Groff, D-Denver.
“We need to better prepare all of our kids, regardless of where they live in the state, to face the challenges they’ll see in the world,” Groff said.
Sen. Bob Bacon, D-Fort Collins, said some students may have to spend an extra year in high school to meet the requirement while others may drop out for fear of flunking a fourth year of math.
Lawmakers also backed another proposal (Senate Bill 148) to let students earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree in five years.
Both measures must pass another vote before being sent to the House.
