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Governor says schools should have flexibility on algebra II

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He wants them to have more options when it comes to meeting the algebra II graduation requirement.

“I’m not in favor of changing the requirement for algebra II,” Snyder said at a workforce training conference. “I’m in favor of making it as tangible as possible for people.”

The governor says learning the principles of algebra II is often easier as part of a program in robotics or vocational training.

“Kids in those programs typically do very well at learning algebra II because it’s more applied,” Snyder said. So it’s really a case of how do you make it more applied than theoretical, and, again, most of those calls should be at the local level, not the state telling people how to do things.”

There is a bill before the Legislature that would allow students to skip algebra II if the same principles are taught as part of a vocational education program. The Legislature has yet to approve funding for the Common Core curriculum standards that require students to complete some version of algebra II. 

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.