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SALT LAKE CITY — An initiative pushing for better math literacy among high school students is gaining momentum in the Legislature.
The Senate on Friday passed SB196, which would require students to fulfill additional math requirements in preparing for college and a career.
Sen. Ann Millner, R-Ogden, said her bill would help remedy a "knotty" problem of thousands of college students having to take remedial math courses, which don't count toward graduation but still hurt students' wallets.
"I know that one of the solutions for this problem is for (high school students) to go to four years of math," Millner said. "But I really think we need to focus on math competency and looking at what's appropriate for the student, depending on what their goals are."
The bill designates three primary paths for students to achieve adequate math literacy. Students who plan on attending college must demonstrate math competency at a college-entry level through an assessment, such as an advanced placement test or the ACT, or through a concurrent enrollment course.
Students who do not plan on attending college would be required to fulfill the math competency requirements for a career and technology education certificate.
Students with learning or other disabilities who have an individualized education plan must fulfill the math standards outlined in their plan.
"At the end, they all receive the same diploma," Millner said. "This is not meant to track students. It's meant to give them pathways depending on what their goals are post-high school."
Several senators spoke in favor of the bill, saying it would save students time and money, and increase their chances of success in or out of college.
"Nationwide and in Utah, math is the burial ground of higher education aspirations," said Sen. Stephen Urquhart, R-St. George. "This will help cure that. … This bill does a good job of making sure our students will be prepared for college. There is an alternative route to pursue something vocational."
The bill passed its third Senate reading in a 23-1 vote and now goes to the House. Email: mjacobsen@deseretnews.com Twitter: MorganEJacobsen
