Being able to only add, subtract, multiply and divide isn t going to be enough to make it in the real world, Nelson said. The Texas Education Agency is tackling this problem in part by working with the University of Texas to create staff training packages aimed at improving algebra instruction. But the reality is that it is increasingly hard for many districts to staff these classrooms because other fields, such as the technology-based and investment professions, can offer higher pay and better benefit packages to individuals with highly developed mathematics teaching skills. He added that those individuals are more likely to choose those and other professions over education when deciding on a college major. Students beginning with the Class of 2005 must pass the new exit-level test in order to graduate from high school.
State law requires that the math section of the exam cover algebra and geometry.
Local districts, however, can enact policies that allow performance on the test to be considered when calculating course grades. Most students take the tests in spring, near the end of the traditional school year. These tests will eventually be eliminated when the new exit-level test is developed. Those can be obtained by contacting local school districts. The spring 2000 results should be compared to spring 1999 results to ensure similarity of comparisons.