New requirements take effect in 2005-06

By JULIE FINLEY

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ &045;&045; High school students in Mississippi will soon have to take more math courses.

Starting with the 2005-06 ninth graders, the current seventh graders, students will be required to pass four math classes in order to graduate.

The decision made by the Mississippi Board of Education in late February offers next year’s eighth graders the chance to take pre-algebra, transition to algebra or algebra I for a credit toward graduation. When these students get to high school they can choose from algebra II, geometry, advanced algebra and trigonometry and several levels of calculus.

Some Natchez High students are already taking four math courses by choice.

&uot;I’m in trigonometry right now,&uot; senior Katrina Coleman said. &uot;I have taken four maths to improve my math skills.&uot;

Coleman took pre-algebra in middle school to get a head start, but Robert Lewis Middle School Principal Cynthia Smith said students like Coleman were exceptions to the norm.

&uot;We are very glad to be able to offer it (algebra I) to those that need to be pushed,&uot; Smith said. &uot;But it still will be a minimal enrollment.&uot;

NHS math teacher Joan H. Jones said the increased requirement was good for all students. &uot;You cannot be a top student and still get four years,&uot; she said. &uot;If you stay away from math for a year you loose those skills.&uot;

Junior Ashley Sproulls is thinking about taking a fourth math to prepare for college.

&uot;I need algebra II for Jackson State,&uot; she said. &uot;I really think everyone should take four maths.&uot;

Pre-algebra and algebra teacher Cheryl Conway said her students who had algebra courses in middle school usually did well, but it wasn’t right for everyone.

&uot;Strengths in math aren’t the same,&uot; Conway said. &uot;It should be offered to those who are testing on their level.&uot;

In addition to completing four math units students must also pass the algebra I subject area test to meet the requirements for graduation.

Even those students who plan to take four math courses admitted that math was harder than other classes.

&uot;It’s a challenge,&uot; Coleman said. &uot;It takes a lot of studying.&uot;

Tenth-grader Alex Willis said he plans to take math until he is a senior. &uot;It is one of my harder subjects, but I do OK if I study,&uot; Willis said.

Smith said she was already working to find teachers for an algebra I class for next year.

NHS principal James Loftin said it would not require any additional teachers because the school already offers all the math courses.