Georgia board OKs math flexibility

ATLANTA - The Georgia Board of Education has voted to give schools flexibility in the math classes they offer.

The board met Monday and approved the recommendation by State School Superintendent John D. Barge to allow four separate courses to be taught.

"We have many students who are currently struggling with the integrated approach to the math curriculum," Barge said.

The four new courses - GPS Algebra, GPS Geometry, GPS Advanced Algebra, and GPS Pre-Calculus - are taught in a more traditional fashion.

"We are seeing that a one-size-fits-all approach isn't in the best interest of all of our students. Our systems need the flexibility to teach in the manner that best meets the needs of their students, and local system leaders are best positioned to make those decisions," Barge said in a statement

Students struggling with the integrated curriculum now will earn core credit for support classes. Students must receive four units of math to graduate.

Barge said 17 percent of Georgia high school juniors have earned no more than one math credit, putting them at risk of not graduating. He said many students are taking multiple math courses, making them unable to take other electives.

Barge campaigned last year on changing the curriculum, saying the integrated math classes confuse some students and fluster teachers.

Upcoming Events