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Lawton district shifts pathways, urges Algebra I for current eighth-graders after 2024 graduation-rule change
Summary
Superintendent Haim said a 2024 change in graduation requirements prompted Lawton Public Schools to adjust course pathways, encourage Algebra I in eighth grade and reconfigure electives to avoid constraining students' options for internships and career-technical courses.
Superintendent Haim said Lawton Public Schools is adjusting course sequencing and encouraging this year’s eighth-graders to take Algebra I after legislators changed graduation requirements in 2024.
The shift is intended to prevent students from being forced into a schedule of only required academic courses that would crowd out career-technical classes, internships and other electives the district promotes as part of its pathway model.
Haim told listeners on the district podcast Time with Haim that the 2024 law “says this year's eighth graders have to have 4 math — Algebra I or higher,” and that, without early Algebra I placement, students could face four years of required math during high school that limit room for electives and pathways. “If they don't take Algebra I as an eighth grader, they'll have to take 4 math of math every year,” Haim said.
The district is responding by moving some pre-Algebra instruction into seventh grade and encouraging placement into Algebra I in eighth grade where appropriate. Haim said the changes are meant to preserve students’ ability to take two-period career classes such as welding and construction, which otherwise could displace other electives or work-based learning opportunities.
Haim described the district’s pathway model as flexible: students can change pathways or academies “just like college students change their majors,” and the district is working to ensure required courses do not block access to career-technical offerings hosted at the Life Ready Center.
Haim also said the district plans an “Academy Quest” event in November to help eighth-graders choose pathways as they enter high school and emphasized that the district will monitor students who start Algebra I in eighth grade to ensure they are prepared.
Discussion only: the podcast recorded superintendent remarks and planning intentions; no board action or policy vote was taken during the recording.
— Superintendent Haim, Lawton Public Schools
