Algebra and geometry graduation requirements may be dropped

Members of the Onaway Area Community Schools Board of Education heard the first reading of a policy revision that would change math graduation requirements by dropping the need for students to take algebra and geometry.

“We have several students who will be productive members of society and will do very well in the trades and will not need a geometry class to be successful,” said superintendent Bob Szymoniak. “It is not right that we deny them a diploma based on policy language.”

Last year the board modified graduation requirements for math to accommodate block scheduling and there was a lot of discussion about what to do with math credits. “We talked about whether it should be two or three credits of math to graduate from Onaway High School, and whether or not algebra and geometry should be required,” said Szymoniak.

AT THAT point, it was determined that algebra and geometry would be a required class that would have to be passed for a student to graduate.

The high school mathematics teachers changed their view on the matter. The instructors initiated discussions with principal Matt Lukshaitis. From there, the curriculum committee and the policy/curriculum/personnel committee discussed it at length. The curriculum committee supported the changes to the policy, which still would require three math credits to graduate, but dropping the requirements of algebra and geometry.

Board vice president Jeff Whitsitt said he could remember discussing the issue a year ago and thought, “Geometry is some thing we all wanted to do. What has caused the change?”

Lukshaitis said the requirements “mean eight of our kids, out of a class of 80, would not graduate, if they had to have geometry this year.”

Szymoniak said the district took into account the need for better scores on the Michigan Education Assessment Program test last year, but the state is moving away from the MEAP and plans on administering a merit award program in its place.

“WE HAVE no clue what this examination will be like,” said Szymoniak. “I would expect that there would be some geometry on it, but again, we send 60 to 70 percent of our students on to college (but) 30 percent of them don’t go. “Some kids will hit high school and they’ll think, ‘I’ll never pass a geometry course’ and they’ll transfer to the (Presque Isle) Academy or drop out.”

In this new plan, advanced students would be placed in more advanced courses, while students achieving in the lower range of mathematics ability would be placed in appropriate courses. In this way, students who can handle algebra and geometry will not be allowed to forgo taking these classes, Szymoniak said.

“The expectations of high standards for all students will be maintained in this way,” said Szymoniak. “One of the things we talked about is that all kids don’t learn at the same pace, nor in the same manner,” said Lukshaitis. “We thought, l

et’s get back to taking care of our high school here, let’s take care of these kids.”

Szymoniak added, “We feel that what this change does is better personalize graduation requirements for our students.” The second reading, and approval of the changes, could come at next month’s meeting.

IN OTHER matters to come before the board: The retirement notice of long-time bus driver Anne Fusee, who has transported thousands of students over the years, was accepted. The policy/curriculum/personnel committee recommended the board accept the retirement with regret.

The annual resolution calling for the regular school election on Tuesday, May 3 was adopted. The election date, along with the deadline for nominating petitions needing to be in, is earlier this year because of election consolidation law. The petition deadline is Tuesday, February 8 at 4 p.m. There will be two four-year seats open for the upcoming election. Sue Nelson and Jeff Whitsitt’s terms expire June 30.

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