Mat-Su schools require additional math credit

MAT-SU — Unlike classes before them, this year’s high school freshmen will be required to take three math classes instead of two.

The Mat-Su Borough School Board approved the change unanimously Wednesday. District Spokeswoman Catherine Esary said the change is one the board has been considering since last year. She said it also squares with the emphasis the new superintendent, Ken Burnley, has placed on math education.

“His plans for math really fit into what the board had already been considering and what the administration had been considering,” she said.

Before school started last month, Burnley made changes to the way the district would be teaching algebra. High school and junior high teachers were re-trained in the weeks leading up to the first day of school. Burnley has previously described algebra as a gatekeeper, noting that nearly all dropouts didn’t pass the subject.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Burnley said the change doesn’t impact school finances. Board member Mike Dunleavy agreed.

“I think we can do it at a minimal cost to the district,” Dunleavy said.

Which would make sense. The change doesn’t necessarily add a class to the students’ graduation requirement so much as it trades one general elective credit for a math credit. The change brings the number of general electives required to graduate down to 7.5 from 8.5.

The math classes required are algebra I, geometry and a math elective. Other graduation requirements include four language arts credits, one physical education credit, three science credits, three social studies credits and half a credit of health.

Esary said the next time the district’s Board of Curriculum meets there might be some changes to the types or number of math classes offered, but as of now there are ample extra math classes — algebra II, pre-calculus and calculus.

Many high school students, especially those who are college-bound, have already been using their electives to take extra math classes.

Board member Erick Cordero said at Wednesday’s meeting that he likes the change.

“I think it makes sense, and everything I’ve read indicates that this is really the way to go,” he said.

Contact Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.