BILL NUMBER: AB 1741INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Coto FEBRUARY 8, 2010 An act to amend, repeal, and add Sections 51225.3 and 51224.5 of, and to add Section 51224.7 to, the Education Code, relating to high school graduation requirements. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1741, as introduced, Coto. High school graduation requirements. Existing law prescribes the course of study a pupil is required to complete while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation that includes least 2 courses in mathematics and 2 courses in science. This bill, commencing with the 2014-15 school year, would require a pupil to complete 3 courses in mathematics, at least one of which meets or exceeds the rigor of the content standards for algebra II, trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, or statistics and probability, as adopted by the state board. The bill, commencing with the 2014-15 school year, would also require a pupil to complete 3 courses in science, at least one of which meets or exceeds the rigor of the content standards for chemistry, engineering, physics, or computer science, as adopted by the state board. The bill would set forth specified findings and declarations of the Legislature. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose 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. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares as follows: (1) California is cited as having among the highest educational achievement standards in the nation. However, all of California's pupils are not enrolled in the courses exemplified by California's high standards. (2) California ranks 33rd in the nation for the rigor of coursework required of its pupils, according to the American Diploma Project. (3) California's business community continues to call for a workforce that possesses the knowledge and skills needed to keep our state competitive in the global economy. The California Business for Education Excellence project advocates for stronger public schools because the vitality of the state depends on a well-educated workforce. (4) Many business and educational studies and groups point to the need for greater focus on science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM) in our schools and in the mastery of knowledge and skills in those subjects by our graduates. (5) To be successful in today's economy, all pupils must plan for education and training, including career technical education, that goes beyond a high school diploma. (b) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that the changes in high school graduation requirements required by this act be implemented gradually to minimize abrupt changes for pupils, families, and staff, and for the requirements to be in place by August 1, 2014. (2) It is the intent of the Legislature that, when implementing the graduation requirements, local educational agencies consider corresponding reform in delivery and instruction. Multiple studies, including one from the Consortium of Chicago School Research, point out that pupils new to these rigorous courses might not experience success unless their enrollment is accompanied by proven instructional strategies, such as differentiated learning, problem-based learning, integrated learning, hands-on learning experiences, relevant education, and team-based learning. SEC. 2. Section 51224.5 of the Education Code is amended to read: 51224.5. (a) The adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall include algebra as part of the mathematics area of study pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 51220. (b) Commencing with the 2003-04 school year and each year thereafter, at least one course, or a combination of the two courses, in mathematics required to be completed pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3 by pupils while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, prior to receiving a diploma of graduation from high school, shall meet or exceed the rigor of the content standards for Algebra I, as adopted by theState Board of Educationstate board pursuant to Section 60605. (c) A pupil who, prior to enrollment in grade 9, completes coursework in algebra that meets or exceeds the rigor of the content standards for Algebra I, as adopted by theState Board of Educationstate board , is exempt from subdivision (b), but is not exempt from the requirement that the pupil complete two courses in mathematics while enrolled in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, as specified in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3. (d) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2014, and, as of January 1, 2015, is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that becomes operative on or before January 1, 2015, deletes or extends the dates on which it becomes inoperative and is repealed. SEC. 3. Section 51224.5 is added to the Education Code, to read: 51224.5. (a) The adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, shall include algebra as part of the mathematics area of study pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 51220. (b) Commencing with the 2014-15 school year and each year thereafter, at least one of the courses in mathematics required to be completed pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3 by pupils while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, prior to receiving a diploma of graduation from high school, shall meet or exceed the rigor of the content standards for algebra II, trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, or statistics and probability, as adopted by the state board pursuant to Section 60605. (c) A pupil who, prior to enrollment in grade 9, completes coursework in mathematics that meets or exceeds the rigor of the content standards for algebra II, trigonometry, precalculus, calculus, or statistics and probability, as adopted by the state board, is exempt from subdivision (b), but is not exempt from the requirement that the pupil complete three courses in mathematics while enrolled in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, as specified in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3. (d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2014. SEC. 4. Section 51224.7 is added to the Education Code, to read: 51224.7. (a) Commencing with the 2014-2015 school year and each year thereafter, at least one of the courses in science required to be completed pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3 by pupils while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, prior to receiving a diploma of graduation from high school, shall meet or exceed the rigor of the content standards for chemistry, engineering, physics, or computer science, as adopted by the state board pursuant to Section 60605. (b) A pupil who, prior to enrollment in grade 9, completes coursework in science that meets or exceeds the rigor of the content standards for chemistry, engineering, physics, or computer science, as adopted by the state board, is exempt from subdivision (a), but is not exempt from the requirement that the pupil complete three courses in science while enrolled in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, as specified in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3. (c) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2014. SEC. 5. Section 51225.3 of the Education Code is amended to read: 51225.3. (a) A pupil shall complete all of the following while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school: (1) At least the following numbers of courses in the subjects specified, each course having a duration of one year, unless otherwise specified: (A) Three courses in English. (B) Two courses in mathematics. (C) Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences. (D) Three courses in social studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics; and a one-semester course in economics. (E) One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language. For the purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in foreign language. (F) Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code. (2) Other coursework requirements adopted by the governing board of the school district. (b) The governing board, with the active involvement of parents, administrators, teachers, and pupils, shall adopt alternative means for pupils to complete the prescribed course of study that may include practical demonstration of skills and competencies, supervised work experience or other outside school experience, career technical education classes offered in high schools, courses offered by regional occupational centers or programs, interdisciplinary study, independent study, and credit earned at a postsecondary institution. Requirements for graduation and specified alternative modes for completing the prescribed course of study shall be made available to pupils, parents, and the public. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school district shall exempt a pupil in foster care from all coursework and other requirements adopted by the governing board of the district that are in addition to the statewide coursework requirements specified in this section if the pupil, while he or she is in grade 11 or 12, transfers into the district from another school district or between high schools within the district, unless the district makes a finding that the pupil is reasonably able to complete the additional requirements in time to graduate from high school while he or she remains eligible for foster care benefits pursuant to state law. A school district shall notify a pupil in foster care who is granted an exemption pursuant to this subdivision, and, as appropriate, the person holding the right to make educational decisions for the pupil, if any of the requirements that are waived will affect the pupil's ability to gain admission to a postsecondary educational institution and shall provide information about transfer opportunities available through the California Community Colleges. (d) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2014, and, as of January 1, 2015, is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that becomes operative on or before January 1, 2015, deletes or extends the dates on which it becomes inoperative and is repealed. SEC. 6. Section 51225.3 is added to the Education Code, to read: 51225.3. (a) Commencing with the 2014-15 school year, a pupil shall complete all of the following while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school: (1) At least the following numbers of courses in the subjects specified, each course having a duration of one year, unless otherwise specified: (A) Three courses in English. (B) Three courses in mathematics. (C) Three courses in science, including biological science, physical science, and either chemistry, engineering, physics, or computer science. (D) Three courses in social studies, including United States history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics; and a one-semester course in economics. (E) One course in visual or performing arts or foreign language. For the purposes of satisfying the requirement specified in this subparagraph, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in foreign language. (F) Two courses in physical education, unless the pupil has been exempted pursuant to the provisions of this code. (2) Other coursework requirements adopted by the governing board of the school district. (b) The governing board, with the active involvement of parents, administrators, teachers, and pupils, shall adopt alternative means for pupils to complete the prescribed course of study that may include practical demonstration of skills and competencies, supervised work experience or other outside school experience, career technical education classes offered in high schools, courses offered by regional occupational centers or programs, interdisciplinary study, independent study, and credit earned at a postsecondary institution. Requirements for graduation and specified alternative modes for completing the prescribed course of study shall be made available to pupils, parents, and the public. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school district shall exempt a pupil in foster care from all coursework and other requirements adopted by the governing board of the district that are in addition to the statewide coursework requirements specified in this section if the pupil, while he or she is in grade 11 or 12, transfers into the district from another school district or between high schools within the district, unless the district makes a finding that the pupil is reasonably able to complete the additional requirements in time to graduate from high school while he or she remains eligible for foster care benefits pursuant to state law. A school district shall notify a pupil in foster care who is granted an exemption pursuant to this subdivision, and, as appropriate, the person holding the right to make educational decisions for the pupil, if any of the requirements that are waived will affect the pupil's ability to gain admission to a postsecondary educational institution and shall provide information about transfer opportunities available through the California Community Colleges. (d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2014. SEC. 7. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.