Introduced
by
To prescribe high school graduation requirements for public schools and charter schools. These would include four credits (or year-long courses) each in English and mathematics (including Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry); three each in science and social science (including biology and chemistry or physics); two in a foreign language (beginning with students entering ninth grade in 2009); one in health and physical education; one in fine arts or music; and at least one in certain electives specified in the bill. Also, one course or "learning experience" that was presented online. Alternatively, an 11th grade student who has completed two-and-one-half years of this curriculum could request a custom "individualized learning plan." Student could "test out" of certain requirements (for example, a bi-lingual student). Middle school students could take some mandated classes to get a "head start" on the requirements. Schools would be required to have these standards in place beginning with students who graduate in enter ninth grade beginning in 2007, or to have a timetable in place for adopting them.
Referred to the Committee on Education
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Substitute offered
To replace the previous version of the bill with one that makes "earth science" an elective rather a required course, clarifies the details of when math classes must be taken, and makes many other detail changes that do not change the substance of the bill as previously described.
The substitute passed by voice vote
Amendment offered
by
To tie-bar the bill to Senate Bill 4, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. SB 4 would require compulsory school attendance for children up to age 18, instead of age 16 as is currently required.
The amendment failed by voice vote
Amendment offered
by
To allow a student to fulfill the Algebra 2 requirement with an "alternative approach" if the math teacher and a school guidance counselor agree.
The amendment passed 19 to 17 (details)
Amendment offered
by
To require schools to report on the number of students they have allowed to fulfill the Algebra 2 requirement with an "alternative approach".
The amendment passed by voice vote
Amendment offered
by
To eliminate the bill's proposed requirement to complete two years of a foreign language in order to graduate from high school.
The amendment failed by voice vote
Amendment offered
by
To add astronomy to the list of recommended elective courses proposed by the bill.
The amendment passed by voice vote
Amendment offered
by
To eliminate the bill's proposed requirement to complete two and one-half years of the mandated curriculum before being eligible to request an "individualized learning plan," and instead allow any student age 16 or older to do so.
The amendment failed by voice vote
Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)
To prescribe high school graduation requirements for public schools and charter schools. These would include four credits (or year-long courses) each in English and mathematics (including Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry); three each in science and social science (including biology and chemistry or physics); two in a foreign language (beginning with students entering ninth grade in 2009); one in health and physical education; one in fine arts or music; and at least one in certain electives specified in the bill. Also, one course or "learning experience" that was presented online. Alternatively, an 11th grade student who has completed two-and-one-half years of this curriculum could request a custom "individualized learning plan" instead of completing the math and science credits. Students could "test out" of certain requirements (for example, a bi-lingual student). Middle school students could take some mandated classes to get a "head start" on the requirements. Schools would be required to have these standards in place beginning with students who graduate in enter ninth grade beginning in 2007, or to have a timetable in place for adopting them.
Substitute offered
by
To replace the previous version of the bill with one that does not contain the Senate-passed foreign language requirement.
The substitute passed by voice vote
Passed in the House 71 to 35 (details)
To prescribe high school graduation requirements for public schools and charter schools. These would include four credits (or year-long courses) each in English and mathematics (including Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry); three each in science and social science (including biology and chemistry or physics); one in health and physical education; one in fine arts or music; and one in certain electives, but none in foreign language. The vote sets up a negotiation between the House and Senate over the slightly different requirements proposed by this bill and House Bill 5606.
Failed in the Senate 1 to 35 (details)
To concur with a House-passed version of the bill. The vote sends the bill to a House-Senate conference committee to work out the differences.
Passed in the House 95 to 11 (details)
To adopt a House-Senate conference committee compromise prescribing high school graduation requirements for public schools and charter schools, beginning with the class graduating in 2011. These would include four year-long courses each in English and mathematics (including Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry); three each in science and social science (including biology and chemistry or physics); one in health and physical education; one in fine arts or music; and at least one in certain electives specified in the bill. Beginning with the class of 2016, two years of foreign language would be required sometime during the student's K-12 career. Students could "test-out" of any of the requirements. The Department of Education would be required to develop content expectations for each subject. At least one semester of Algebra II would be required for all, but struggling students could then enter an alternative math class. The provisions are divided between this bill and House Bill 5606.
Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)
Motion
by
To give the bill immediate effect.
The motion passed 95 to 11 (details)
