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Senate sends math–science graduation requirement bill to interim study after heated debate
Summary
SB159, proposing three years of math and three years of science for high school graduation (effective 1994–95), prompted prolonged debate on curriculum impacts and equity; the Senate voted to place the measure on interim study for wider review.
Senate Bill 159, introduced as a change to public education curriculum standards to require three years of mathematics and three years of science for high school graduation (implementation aimed at 1994–95), produced extensive floor debate about feasibility, costs and educational equity.
Supporters argued the change would better prepare students for a growing technology workforce and expand opportunities for females in math-related fields; the sponsor referenced national recommendations and an editorial supporting increased math rigor. Opponents cautioned that the state has varying graduation-credit frameworks across districts, that adding course requirements risks displacing electives or seminary participation, and that science laboratory access and staffing would carry financial and logistical costs. Senator Petersen moved a friendly amendment to change the science requirement from three years to two, which the body adopted.
Given the complexity and the number of outstanding questions, Senators moved to send the measure to interim study to allow educators, the State Board of Education and stakeholders to provide more analysis; the motion to refer the bill for interim study carried on the floor.
