Kuipers Not Budging on Algebra II

They are making noises over in the House about changing the Algebra II requirement in the newly enacted high school graduation standards, but if such a measure gets into the hands of Sen. Wayne KUIPERS (R-Holland), he's inclined to do nothing about it.

"I don't think it would be wise to change it," the chair of the Senate Education Committee argued.

While House members Reps. Tim MELTON (D-Auburn Hills), Matt GILLARD (D-(D-Alpena), and Joel SHELTROWN (D-West Branch) continue to review a modification of the higher math requirement, Kuipers is not buying the contention that high school dropout rates will skyrocket, with some estimating as much as 30 percent.

"I don't think so," Kuipers said. "Any child can do Algebra II," including his own daughter, who he said has "struggled" with math all her life. He admitted it may be a struggle for some but business leaders around the state are offering to pay for tutoring for those students, he reports.

We have given the school flexible standards," he said, while suggesting that the critical thinking skills in the math course might be repackaged and renamed as a way to get students past the "stigma" of Algebra II.

A House hearing on Sheltrown's alternative diploma legislation is slated for June 19.