Under new legislation in the state senate Algebra II would no longer be required for high school graduation.
Under the legislation, students would be able to opt out of the class and instead take an elective - like personal finance or basic statistics.
Democratic State Senator Jim Ananich sponsored the measure. He said Algebra II would still be offered by schools but students should be able to decide if higher level math is necessary for what they want to do.
“We have to make sure we meet students where they are at and where they want to be,” Ananich said.
Currently, Michigan requires students receive four math credits; Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and one elective.
Ananich says the quality of Algebra II courses would inevitably improve when only the students who wanted to be there take the course.
“And I think we need to give flexibility for schools to offer what they think is the best interest for their community and I think this bill is a start in doing that,” he said.
Ananich said the legislation has bipartisan support.
A similar bill was introduced in the state house by Republican Gary Howell.