SHS Math Requirements Increased

Following lengthy discussion the Salem School Board voted 3-1 Tuesday night to increase the math credit graduation requirement from three credits to four at Salem High School.

The change will go into effect starting with this year's freshman class, the SHS Class of 2015.

Superintendent Michael Delahanty told the board Salem High students often take more than just three math classes.

"We feel it's appropriate today given the emphasis on mathematics that we require students to earn that fourth credit, hopefully during that senior year," Delahanty said.

SHS Math and Science Director Deborah Payne outlined a number of scenarios and pathways where students could take those four math classes.

School Board member Bernard Campbell was concerned about the 14 percent of students in the 2011 graduating class that did not take at least four math classes.

"We have enough offerings," Campbell said. "Is it fair to say those people obviously didn't want to choose another math course? Are we setting them up for a personal setback?"

Campbell also questioned the impact of diminishing elective opportunities for students later in their high school careers.

Payne said 90 percent of New Hampshire high school students go on to some form of higher education and at least in this state all college programs in New Hampshire require a math course for a diploma.

"For that fouth year they're getting exposed to content that could help them in the future," Payne said.

She added many of the students who didn't take that fourth credit were motivated and on track to graduate anyway. It was a "wide range" of students in that category, Payne said.

Board member Patricia Corbett, who works in the community college system, said math requirements there have changed and many students are forced to take remedial math courses because they're "not prepared" for the content.

"It's like an exercise routine," Board Chair Peter Morgan said. "You might not want to do it but in the long run it's going to be good for you."

Morgan, Corbett and board member Robert Bryant voted in favor while Campbell voted against the proposal. Board member Pamela Berry was absent from the meeting.

Delahanty said students also need four credits in English to graduate. Other requirements are: three for social studies, three for science, one for physical education, one-half for health, one-half for fine arts and one-half for economics. Remaining credits are for electives.