HF802

This bill updates educational requirements and standards in Minnesota's schools, focusing mainly on the subjects and credits required to graduate from high school. Here are the key changes proposed:

1. Mathematics Standards and Credits:

   • High school students must complete elements of Algebra II, Integrated Mathematics III, or an equivalent.
   • Starting from Grade 8, standards include completion of algebra, geometry, and statistics.

2. Arts Education:

   • Elementary and middle schools must offer at least three and require at least two of the arts areas, including dance, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts.
   • High schools must offer at least three and require at least one of the same arts areas.

3. Additional Curriculum Components:

   • Schools may include child sexual abuse prevention as part of the health curriculum, with content tailored to be age-appropriate and informative for students and parents.

4. Graduation Requirements:

   • Students need to successfully complete credits in various subjects:
     • Four credits in Language Arts.
     • Three credits each in Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
     • Credits in Physical Education, Health (upon adoption of statewide health standards), the Arts, and Personal Finance.
   • Specifically, a new requirement is added for students to complete a course in Personal Finance.

5. Credit Equivalencies:

   • Some courses in agriculture, business, or career and technical education can fulfill requirements for science and social studies credits.
   • Computer science and certain specialized courses like Project Lead the Way may count as credits for both mathematics and science.
   • An ethnic studies course can fulfill a requirement in various subjects including social studies, language arts, arts, math, or science, depending on the standards it meets.

Overall, this bill aims to diversify and enrich the academic standards and graduation requirements for Minnesota’s students, ensuring they receive a broad and pragmatic education that includes essential life skills such as personal finance.