Mathematics in the Fourth Year of High School

As a public service in support of open discussion about the importance of four years of mathematics for all students, the Dana Center has composed a position statement and compiled a set of research links and data tables providing information about the value of strengthening high school mathematics requirements in Texas.

Recommendations for the Texas Fourth-Year Mathematics Course (September 2006) (pdf 212kb)

This 2-page position statement supports a rigorous fourth year of mathematics and science for Texas high school students. (See also our position statement supporting four years of science (pdf 216kb).)

Information Relevant to Proposed Changes to Mathematics Requirements for Graduation in Texas (October 2006)

This 7-page paper provides some context and about 20 citations and links to related research for further reading.

Data to Inform the Discussion on the Fourth Year of Mathematics in High School (pdf 392kb)

This 17-page paper provides 11 tables of data relevant to four questions that have been raised about the proposed changes to mathematics requirements for graduation in Texas. The questions are:

1. Why are we talking about a fourth year of mathematics?
2. Will additional mathematics requirements in high school increase the dropout rate?
3. How many more students will take advanced mathematics if the Algebra II prerequisite is enacted?
4. How many more teachers will be required to teach the additional students in courses beyond Algebra II?

The data is from the Texas Education Agency's Academic Excellence Indicator System, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's High School to College Linkages online reports, and the Texas PK-16 Public Education Information Resource.