Pupil instruction: mathematics: algebra.

Existing law requires the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to include courses in mathematics, including algebra. Existing law requires a pupil to complete 2 courses in mathematics in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school, and provides that at least one of these courses, or a combination of the 2 courses, shall meet or exceed the rigor of the content standards for Algebra I, as adopted by the State Board of Education. Existing law exempts a pupil in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, from the requirement that he or she complete a course that meets or exceeds the rigor of the content standards for Algebra I, as adopted by the state board, if that pupil, before enrolling in grade 9, completes coursework in algebra that meets or exceeds the rigor of the content standards for Algebra I, as adopted by the state board. This bill would instead require, before a pupil receives a diploma of graduation from high school, that a pupil complete at least one course, or a combination of the 2 courses required for graduation, that meets or exceeds the rigor of Algebra I or Mathematics I, that is aligned to the content standards adopted by the state board. The bill would provide that a pupil who completes coursework that meets or exceeds the content standards for Algebra I adopted by the state board shall be deemed to have satisfied the graduation requirement. The bill would also exempt from the Algebra I or Mathematics I graduation requirement those pupils who, before enrollment in grade 9, completed a course in Algebra I or Mathematics I, or mathematics courses of equal rigor, that are aligned to the content standards adopted by the state board. To the extent that the bill would impose new duties on school districts, it would constitute a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.