By KOURTNEY GRAZIER
Senior
Los Alamos High School
As a senior in high school, it is unfair that the high school graduation requirements may change.
I go to school in Los Alamos, the standards the students have to face here are outrageous. The graduation requirements should not be changed. I understand that it is important for education in New Mexico to change for the better but this bill is not the way to create positive change.
Watering down the graduation requirements is going to hurt students in the long run. After looking at what is possibly changing, there appears to be more harm than good. Algebra II is a subject that will be eliminated. Algebra II is a necessary math requirement. If students are planning to pursue any type of engineering, medical, veterinary, or teaching, they will need to take Algebra II.
According to an article published in the Albuquerque Journal, by The New Mexico Teachers of The Year, some of the state’s best teachers are concerned. These teachers state “So we take it personally when lower expectations create a barrier to our efforts. This is why we are deeply troubled by proposed legislation that would water down high school graduation requirements. We believe that House Bill 126 takes us in the wrong direction for many reasons, but most of all because it sends a message that we don’t believe in our students. There are no paths to success from there.” If the top teachers do not endorse this bill, we need to listen to them. They also stated “This legislation would make New Mexico’s high school diploma even less relevant for the world into which we are sending our children.” Having a diploma usually means that you work hard for what you have and that you earned it. This bill is going to lessen the value of the diploma.
An article published by KOB4 in February stated “The bipartisan proposal is hoping to address New Mexico’s poor graduation rates by making the graduation requirements a little more flexible. Democrat Rep. G. Andres Romero and Republican Rep. Ryan Lane want to reduce the total number of credits needed from 24 to 22. They also want to get rid of the Algebra 2 requirement and streamline some social studies, physical education and health mandates.” It is good that both major parties are getting along and are working together on something that has potential benefits for their state. The article also states that “Now, there are three curriculum proposals, and one of them is getting closer to the finish line. The three proposals each cover very different subjects, but they all appear to be focused on making sure New Mexico students have a better understanding of the real world before they graduate” Algebra 2 will most likely be removed from the required curriculums.
To conclude, the removal of Algebra 2 could have a negative impact on students graduating in future years. If Algebra 2 is removed from the curriculum it needs to be replaced by something of equal or better value for students to take. Algebra 2 being removed is taking away the students ability at knowing what to do for future career choices or jobs. The world is advancing, there are little to no jobs available that do not require a diploma. If the diploma is going to lose value because of this change, what is the point?
