Texas gives final OK to dumping algebra II mandate

The Texas Board of Education has approved a new high school curriculum that drops algebra II as a graduation requirement for most students.

The academic overhaul grew out of a law passed overwhelmingly by the state Legislature last year. It also cut the number of standardized tests high schoolers must pass from 15 to five.

The board’s 14 to 1 vote Friday formally beings implementation of the new curriculum, which takes effect in September.

It is designed to create greater course flexibility for students who want to focus on career training.

Some policy experts claim Texas is watering down its graduation standards and say fewer students will take algebra II if not required to.

But industry leaders say the law will better-prepare high school graduates for the modern workforce.