Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 •
www.ecs.org
Page 1
700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • Fax: 303.296.8332 •
50-State Mathematics Requirements for
the Standard High School Diploma
By Jennifer Dounay Zinth
March 2012
This report identifies the number of Carnegie units or specific courses in mathematics that students must complete
to earn the standard high school diploma in their state.
Two trends are clear: states are increasingly requiring students to complete four years of math in high school, and
are beginning to require students to complete a math course each year of high school, to ensure students earning
high school math credit before grade 9 are engaged in rigorous math content their final year of high school.
Require four Carnegie units in math in 2012
12 states + D.C.
Alabama
Michigan
Arkansas
Mississippi
Delaware
Rhode Island
District of
Columbia
South Carolina
Florida
Texas
Georgia
West Virginia
Louisiana
Require 4 Carnegie units in math for Class of 2013
16 states + D.C.
Arizona
New Mexico
North Carolina
Tennessee
Require four Carnegie units in math for Class of 2014
17 states + D.C.
Ohio
Require four Carnegie units in math for Class of 2020
18 states + D.C.
Connecticut
Require a math course each year of high school,
or during senior year
At least three states
Delaware
Kentucky
Tennessee
Require a math course each year of high school,
or during senior year for Class of 2016
At least four states
Indiana
High School
Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 •
www.ecs.org
Page 2
Note: This table does not include mathematics requirements for advanced diplomas or endorsements. Such requirements are
available from the author upon request.
State
Units
Required courses, if specified
Citation
AL
4
4
One unit each Algebra I, geometry
Class of 2013: one unit each Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with Trigonometry,
plus one add’l math credit
ALA
.
ADMIN
.
CODE R
.
290-3-1-.02
AK
2
ALASKA ADMIN
.
CODE
tit. 4, § 06.075(b)
AZ
3
4
Course content for at least two courses must include “Number Sense and
Operations; Data Analysis, Probability and Discrete Mathematics; Patterns,
Algebra and Functions; Geometry and Measurement; and Structure and Logic.”
Content for third course must include “significant mathematics content.”
Class of 2013: In addition to two courses above, incl. one Algebra II and one
math unit that includes “significant mathematics content as determined by the”
local board or charter school.
ARIZ
.
ADMIN
.
CODE
R7-
2-302.01(1)(C), R7-2-
302.02(1)(
C), R7-2-
302.03
AR
4
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and unit chosen from “Transitions to College
Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics, Computer Math, Algebra
III, or an Advanced Placement math,” Students must take a math course in
grade 11 or 12.
Ark. Admin. Code
005.15.2-14.0
CA
2
CAL
.
EDUC
.
CODE
§
Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 •
www.ecs.org
Page 3
State
Units
Required courses, if specified
Citation
51225.3(a)(1)(B)
CO
n/a
1
CT
3
4
Class of 2020: Incl. Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or Probability and Statistics
CONN
.
GEN
.
STAT
.
ANN
.
§ 10-221a
DE
4
The equivalent of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II. Must complete a math course
during the senior year.
Class of 2016: Must complete Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics III course.
Must complete a math course during the senior year.
14 Del. Admin. Code
505
DC
4
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II. (Algebra I no later than 9th grade.)
D
.
C
.
MUN
.
REGS
. tit. 5,
§ 2203.2
FL
4
2
Algebra I, a series of courses equivalent to Algebra I, or a higher-level math
course
Class of 2014: Also Geometry or equivalent series of courses
Class of 2016: Algebra II or equivalent series of courses
FLA
.
STAT
.
ANN
. §
1003.428((2)(a)(2);
1003.429
GA
4
Algebra I or equivalent, Algebra II or equivalent, Algebra III or equivalent.
Additional math credit(s) must be chosen from specified courses.
GA
.
COMP
.
R
.
&
REGS
.
r. 160-4-2-
.48(3)(b)(5)(ii)(II)
HI
3
3
No more than one math unit may be below Algebra I
3
Class of 2016: Algebra I, Geometry, or newly developed Common Core State
Standards proficiency-based equivalents
Board Policy 4540
(Class of 2016 here)
ID
2
3
Class of 2013: One Algebra I, one Geometry, and one of student’s choice. One
unit must be taken in last year of HS.
IDAPA
08.02.03.105.01(d)
IL
3
One Algebra I and one unit that “must include geometry content”
IN
3
Either Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II sequence or Integrated Mathematics I, II,
III. Students “strongly recommended” to complete math unit during last year of
high school. Students must earn one unit of either math or physics during last
two years of HS.
Class of 2016: Students must complete three units after entering high school,
and be enrolled in math or quantitative reasoning course each year of high
school.
IND
.
ADMIN
.
CODE
tit.
511, r. 6-7.1-4 and -
5;
IND. CODE ANN. §
20-32-4-7 through -
10
IA
3
IOWA CODE
§
256.7(26)(a);
KS
3
“including algebraic and geometric concepts”
KAN
.
ADMIN
.
REGS
. 91-
31-21(a)(4)
1
State constitution gives local boards authority over K-12 curriculum, including course requirements for high
school graduation.
2
State also makes available 3-year diploma option that requires only 3 units of math. However, eff. Class of 2014,
4 units math will be required, and Algebra I, geometry and Algebra II requirements will be implemented in same
years as for traditional diploma.
3
http://graduation.k12.hi.us/pdfs/Class_of_2010,2011,2012_WEB.pdf
Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 •
www.ecs.org
Page 4
State
Units
Required courses, if specified
Citation
KY
3
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II. “An integrated, applied, interdisciplinary,
occupational or technical course that prepares a student for a career path based
on the student's individual learning plan may be substituted for a traditional
Algebra I, Geometry or Algebra II course on an individual student basis if the
course meets the content standards in the Kentucky core academic standards.”
Math must be taken each year of HS. Pre-algebra may not count towards four
but may be counted as elective.
704
KY
.
ADMIN
.
REGS
3:305, Section 2
LA
4
One unit each Algebra I (Applied Algebra I, or Algebra I-Pt. 2), geometry or
applied geometry, Algebra II and fourth unit chosen from state-determined list.
La. Admin Code. tit.
28, pt. CXV, §§ 2317,
2318 and 2319, pt.
XXXIX, § 503
ME
2
“It is highly recommended that all students have exposure to basic algebraic
concepts and skills.”
ME
.
REV
.
STAT
.
ANN
.
titl. 20-A, § 4722(2);
CODE ME. R. Ch. 127,
§ 7.02(A)(1)(d)
MD
3
Includes one unit “with instruction in algebra aligned with the Maryland High
School Assessment for algebra/data analysis or one or more credits in
subsequent mathematics courses for which Algebra I is a prerequisite, and one
with instruction in geometry aligned with the content standards for geometry”
MD
.
REGS
.
CODE
tit.
13A, §
03.02.04((A)(3)
MA
n/a
4
MI
4
Includes Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (or a three-unit integrated equivalent),
“and an additional mathematics credit, such as trigonometry, statistics,
precalculus, calculus, applied math, accounting, business math, a retake of
algebra II, a course in financial literacy as described in section 1165. A pupil may
complete algebra II over two years with two credits awarded or over 1.5 years
with 1.5 credits awarded ... A pupil also may partially or fully fulfill the algebra II
requirement by completing a department-approved formal career and technical
education program or curriculum that has appropriate embedded mathematics
content, such as a program or curriculum in electronics, machining,
construction, welding, engineering, or renewable energy.”
MICH
.
COMP
.
LAWS
ANN
. §
1278a(1)(a)(i),
1278b(5)
MN
3
“encompassing at least algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability sufficient
to satisfy the academic standard”
Class of 2015: Students must complete Algebra I by end of 8th grade, and
complete Algebra II or equivalent.
MINN
.
STAT
.
ANN
. §
120B.023,
120B.024(a)(2)
MS
4
Two of the four units must be beyond Algebra I (list of such courses in regs)
MISS
.
ADMIN
.
CODE
7-2-1
Appendix A, 7-1-52
Appendix A; MISS. CODE
ANN
. § 37-16-17(1) and
(2)(e)(ii)
MO
3
MO
.
CODE REGS
.
ANN
.
tit. 5, § 20-
100.190(1)
MT
2
NE
n/a
3
For Classes of 2012 through 2014, graduation requirements set by local districts
Class of 2015: Three units, “with course content that includes algebraic,
geometric, data analysis, and probability concepts.”
Neb. Admin. R. &
Regs. Tit. 92, Ch. 10,
§ 003.05A2
NV
3
NEV
.
ADMIN
.
CODE
ch.
4
Most course requirements for high school graduation set at district level.
Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 •
www.ecs.org
Page 5
State
Units
Required courses, if specified
Citation
389, § 664(1)
NH
3
Includes “algebra credit that can be earned through a sequential, integrated or
applied program”
N
.
H
.
CODE ADMIN
.
R
.
ANN
. Ed. 306.27
(Table 306-2)
NJ
3
Includes Algebra I. Districts must encourage students who have met math
requirements to complete a unit of math each year of high school, “aimed at
preparation for entrance into post-secondary programs or 21st century careers”
Class of 2014: Includes geometry or equivalent
Class of 2016: Includes a third year of math “that builds on the concepts and
skills of algebra and geometry and that prepares students for college and 21st
century careers”
N
.
J
.
ADMIN
.
CODE TIT
.
6A, § 8-5.1(a)(1)(ii),
(b)(1)
NM
3
4
Includes equivalent of Algebra I or higher
Class of 2013: Includes the equivalent (or higher) of Algebra II
N
.
M
.
STAT
.
ANN
. § 22-
13-1.1(F)(2), (I)(4)
NY
3
Students must complete a course/Regents exam in either Integrated Algebra,
Geometry, or Algebra 2/Trigonometry
N
.
Y
.
COMP
.
CODES R
.
&
REGS
. tit. 8, § 100.5;
Regents Diploma
Requirements for
Mathematics
NC
3 or 4
4
Students choose between College/University Preparatory Course of Study and
Technical Preparation Course of Study.
College/University Prep: Four units. Either Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and a
higher math course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite, or Integrated
Mathematics I, II, III and one course beyond Integrated Mathematics III
College Technical Prep: Three units. Either (a) Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II;
(b) Algebra I, Technical Mathematics I and II; (c) Integrated Mathematics I, II, III
Class of 2013: Future-Ready Core Course of Study is default curriculum. Four
units, incl. either Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or Integrated Mathematics I, II,
III. In either case, fourth unit must be “aligned with the student’s post high
school plans.”
N
.
C
.
ADMIN
.
CODE
tit.
16, r. 6D.0503
ND
3
N
.
D
.
CENTURY CODE
§
15.1-21-02.2 and -
02.3
OH
3
4
Class of 2014: Includes one unit Algebra II or equivalent
OHIO REV
.
CODE ANN
. §
3313.603
OK
3
“limited to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Math Analysis,
Calculus, Advanced Placement Statistics, or any mathematics course with
content and/or rigor above Algebra I and approved for college admission
requirements”
OKLA
.
STAT
.
ANN
. tit.
70, § 11-103.6
OR
3
Class of 2014: 3 units Algebra I and above OR
.
REV
.
STAT
. §
329.451
PA
n/a
5
Class of 2015, students will need to demonstrate proficiency in Algebra I, either
via completion of an Algebra I course in which the Keystone Exam serves as 1/3
22
PA
.
CODE
§ 4.24
5
Course requirements for high school graduation set by local districts
Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 •
www.ecs.org
Page 6
State
Units
Required courses, if specified
Citation
of the final course grade, or a local equivalent exam, or AP or IB.
RI
4
Fourth year may be a mathematics-related course
L-6-3.1
SC
4
43
S
.
C
.
CODE ANN
.
REGS
259(I)((A)(1)
SD
3
Includes one unit each Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
S
.
D
.
ADMIN
.
R
.
24:43:11:01 and
:02(3)
TN
3
4
Must include one of the following: Geometry, Technical Geometry, Algebra II or
Integrated Mathematics II.
Class of 2013: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (or the equivalents) and an
additional course beyond Algebra I. Students must be enrolled in a math class
each year
Tenn. Comp. R. &
Regs. 0520-1-3-.06
TX
4
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II; fourth credit chosen from state-determined list
19
TEX
.
ADMIN
.
CODE
§
74.61(c),
74.62(b)(2),
74.63(b)(2)
UT
3
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II. If credit for any of these courses is earned
before grade 9, student must still complete three units of math that meet
specified criteria.
UTAH ADMIN
.
CODE
R277-700-6(C)(2)
VT
3
VT
.
CODE R
. 7-1-
2:2120.8.7(a)(2)(C)
VA
3
Courses must be at or above the level of algebra, including two courses chosen
from “Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or other mathematics courses above the
level of algebra and geometry.”
Class of 2015: Must include at least two courses chosen from Algebra I,
Geometry, Algebra Functions and Data Analysis, Algebra II, or other
mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II.
8
VA
.
ADMIN
.
CODE
§
20-131-50(B)
WA
2
3
Must “at minimum align with mathematics grade level expectations for 9th and
10th grade, plus content that is determined by the district.”
Class of 2013: Three units must “align with the high school mathematics
standards as developed and revised by the office of superintendent of public
instruction” and include Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II or Integrated
Mathematics I, II, III. Also specifies three units of high school course-taking for
student who earned Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics I or Geometry or
Integrated Mathematics II credit before grade 9.
WASH
.
ADMIN
.
CODE
§
180-51-061(1), -066,
-067
WV
4
State offers “Professional Pathway” and “Skilled Pathway” curriculum options.
“It is the intent that students in the professional pathway will take mathematics
annually, but must take at least three mathematics classes in grades 9-12.”
W
.
VA
.
CODE ST
.
R
. §
126-42-5
WI
2
WIS
.
STAT
. §
118.30(1)(a)(1)
WY
3
W.S.1977 § 21-2-
304 (a)(iii)(B)
Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 •
www.ecs.org
Page 7
“Lower-level option available” refers to students in general education programs. States typically specify that for a
student with a disability, the IEP team must determine what modifications, if any, to the curriculum are necessary
to fulfill the graduation requirements.
State
Lower-level option available
AL
Class of 2013: “Beginning at the end of Grade 8, the choice to opt out [of Advanced Academic Endorsement] can be
made at the end of any semester in any grade as long as the student and his or her parent(s) agree. Students who
opt out of FIRST CHOICE may pursue an Alabama High School Diploma with a Career and Technical Endorsement or
Advanced Career and Technical Endorsement, or the Alabama High School Diploma.”
1
Alabama High School Diploma: Same as pre-2013
Advanced Career and Technical Endorsement: Four units, incl. one unit each Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and
math elective (may be embedded/substituted)
Career and Technical Endorsement: Four units, incl. one unit each Algebra 1, Geometry, 2 math electives (1 may be
embedded/substituted)
AZ
Effective Class of 2013: “Personal curriculum” is available for student who has successfully completed two credits
specified for Class of 2012 but whose “development team” (student, parent or guardian, and either school
counselor, principal or designee, and other members as principal deems appropriate) determines the student
demonstrates a need to modify the Algebra II or equivalent requirement. Personal curriculum may modify only
Algebra II requirement. Student may substitute Algebra II for at least one math unit that includes “significant
mathematics content as determined by the” local board or charter school, and must complete a math course the
student’s senior year. Further details, procedures in
ARIZ
.
ADMIN
.
CODE
R7-2-302.03
AR
Four units, incl. one unit Algebra or equivalent and one unit Geometry or equivalent. “All math units must build on
the base of algebra and geometry knowledge and skills.” Parent or guardian may waive student participation from
more advanced math requirements.
CT
Effective Class of 2020: Districts must provide students “alternative means … to complete high school graduation
requirements … if such student is unable to satisfactorily complete any of the required courses” but statute does not
specify alternative curriculum.
IN
Upon parental request, student may opt into “general curriculum” option. This curriculum includes two units math,
which must be earned after the student enters HS. Must include 1 unit Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics I unless
completed before HS entry. One unit must be “from the mathematics area of study”; other unit may be from
business technology, family and consumer sciences, technology education, or career-technical course “having
predominately mathematics content.”
LA
After a student has been enrolled at least two years in high school, the student and student’s parent or guardian
may request the student be exempted from the Louisiana Core 4 default curriculum. Multiple alternatives:
Louisiana Basic Core: Four units math, including one unit Algebra I (or Applied Algebra I, or two-unit Algebra I-Pt. 1
and Algebra I-Pt. 2 sequence), Geometry or Applied Geometry and two units chosen from state-determined list.
Career diploma: Four units, including one unit Algebra I or Applied Algebra I (or two-unit Algebra I-Pt. 1 and Algebra
I-Pt. 2 sequence), and units chosen from: (a) Geometry or Applied Geometry; (b) Technical Math; (c) Medical Math;
(d) Applications in Statistics and Probability; (e) Financial Math; (f) Math Essentials; (g) Algebra II; (h) Advanced
Math–Pre-Calculus; (i) Discrete Mathematics; or (j) course(s) developed by the LEA and approved by BESE. Prior to
choosing this option, student must have written parent or guardian permission after consultation with school
guidance counselor or administrator.
MI
A “personal curriculum” may be developed if the student, parent or guardian, subject area teacher in area in which
student is seeking exemption (and/or other appropriate school staff member) agree this is the best option. Student
with a personal curriculum in math must still complete at least 3½ of math units required in general curriculum.
Student must still complete “Algebra I and geometry, and successfully … at least one mathematics course during his
or her final year of high school. The algebra II credit required under that section may be modified as part of a
Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 •
www.ecs.org
Page 8
State
Lower-level option available
personal curriculum … if the pupil meets one or more of the following:
(i) Successfully completes the same content as one semester of algebra II, as determined by the department.
(ii) Elects to complete the same content as Algebra II over two years, with a credit awarded for each of those two
years, and successfully completes that content.
(iii) Enrolls in a formal career and technical education program or curriculum and in that program or curriculum
successfully completes the same content as one semester of Algebra II, as determined by the department.
(iv) Successfully completes one semester of statistics or functions and data analysis.”
MS
Career diploma: Intended “for students not wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree.” At least three math units,
including Algebra I.
NM
Class of 2013: Parent may submit “written, signed permission for student to complete a lesser mathematics unit” in
lieu of Algebra II.
NC
Career Preparation Course of Study (Class of 2012 last class for which this option is available). Three units, including
Algebra I. “This requirement may be met with Integrated Mathematics I and II when accompanied with the Algebra I
end-of-course (EOC).”
Class of 2013: “In the rare instance a principal exempts a student from the Future-Ready Core mathematics
sequence, except as limited by N.C.G.S. §115C-81(b), the student will be required to pass:
(i) Algebra I and Geometry plus either Alternative Mathematics I and Alternative Mathematics II or two
application-based mathematics courses as determined by the LEA or
(ii) Algebra I and Algebra II plus either Alternative Mathematics I and Alternative Mathematics II or two
application-based mathematics courses as determined by the LEA or
(iii) Integrated Mathematics I and Integrated Mathematics II plus either Alternative Mathematics I and
Alternative Mathematics II or two other application-based mathematics courses as determined by the LEA.”
ND
“If after completing at least two years of high school a student has failed to pass at least one-half unit from three” of
seven areas of the curriculum or has a grade point average at or below the 25th percentile of other students in the
district who are enrolled in the same grade, the student may request that the student's career advisor, guidance
counselor or principal meet with the student and the student's parent to determine if the student should be
permitted to pursue an optional high school curriculum, in place of the” standard curriculum. If the parent gives
written consent, the student must complete two units of math.
OH
A student entering 9th grade in 2010-11 through 2013-14 school years may opt into a less rigorous curriculum after
the student has attended high school for at least two years. Legislation describes process. Such student would be
required to complete pre-Class of 2014 graduation requirements.
OK
With written parental/guardian permission, a student may alternatively complete three units or sets of
competencies including Algebra I, and two units from specified set.
OR
Statute allows for awarding of “modified diploma … to students who have demonstrated the inability to meet the
full set of academic content standards for a high school diploma with reasonable modifications and
accommodations. To be eligible for a modified diploma, a student must:
(a) Satisfy the requirements for a modified diploma established by the State Board of Education; and
(b) Have a documented history of an inability to maintain grade level achievement due to significant learning and
instructional barriers or have a documented history of a medical condition that creates a barrier to
achievement.”
Statute also provides for “extended diploma.”
PA
The secretary of education may grant waivers “on a case-by-case basis for good cause. Waivers will be based upon
receipt of a written request from the chief school administrator. Waivers may be granted to accommodate students
who experience extenuating circumstances (including serious illness, death in immediate family, family emergency,
frequent transfers in schools, or transfer from an out-of-State school in 12th grade).”
SD
In addition to excusals permitted for limited English proficient students, “A student may be excused from taking the
required units of Algebra II, geometry, chemistry, or physics to align with a student's personal learning plan if the
student's parent or legal guardian and school counselor or administrator agree and the excuse is documented. A
student may be excused from Algebra II or geometry but not from both requirements. The student must still
Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 •
www.ecs.org
Page 9
State
Lower-level option available
complete three units of mathematics and three units of laboratory science.”
TX
Students may opt into the “Minimum High School Program” if the student is at least 16; has completed two credits
for graduation in each of the subjects of English language arts, math, science and social studies; or “has failed to be
promoted to Grade 10 one or more times as determined by the school district[.]” Minimum program includes three
math units, incl. Algebra I, Geometry, and third unit chosen from state-determined list.
UT
“Students may opt out of Algebra 2 with written parent/legal guardian request. If an opt out is requested, the third
math credit shall come from the advanced and applied courses on the Board-approved mathematics list.”
WA
Effective Class of 2013: Students may pursue third unit of math other than Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics III if
specified procedure is followed.
Jennifer Dounay Zinth may be reached at 303.299.3689 or
[email protected].
© 2012 by the Education Commission of the States (ECS). All rights reserved.
ECS is the only nationwide, nonpartisan interstate compact devoted to education.
ECS encourages its readers to share our information with others. To request permission to reprint or excerpt some
of our material, please contact the ECS Information Clearinghouse at 303.299.3675 or e-mail [email protected].
Equipping Education Leaders, Advancing Ideas
1
Alabama State Department of Education, First Choice Brochure, (2009),
http://www.alsde.edu/general/Firstchoicebrochure_2009.pdf, (accessed March 8, 2012).