Effective with the Graduating Class of 2018, the Prince George’s county public school system is now requiring students to take four years of math before graduating.

Prior to this change, students were only required to take one credit of algebra 1, one credit of geometry, and one credit of algebra 2. Students will now be required to take one additional math credit.

Sophomore Darius Foster said he finds the change, “inconsiderate.” He feels that “with the previous requirements, it was already difficult to pursue things outside of academics.” He continues on, explaining that “not all students are focused on academic based jobs or careers.”

Junior Mariah Hodge said she does not “necessarily agree with it.”

“I feel it is excessive to some degree considering most of the math taught in high school will hardly ever be used again, so making 4 credits a requirement does not seem necessary,” said Hodge. She does, however, acknowledge that “the math taught will most likely show up on tests such as the SAT, in which case it will be needed.”

Students in the Science and Technology Program were already required to take four years of math prior to this change. Senior Francis Sowande said he does not, “feel much about [the change] because [he’s] always been told to take 4 years of math.” Many colleges and universities require applicants to have taken four years of math in high school. This means that the updated policy does not change a lot for students who were aware of this requirement, and interested in pursuing a college education.

Math teacher Mrs. Brewer-Heilig said she, “applauds the decision for students to take 4 years of math.”

“Colleges require math, and even ask students to take math placement exams,” she explains. “So – not taking math senior year is detrimental in many respects.” When asked if the change has affected class sizes, she said, “It is hard to tell at this point whether or not this change has affected class sizes.  Many students at ERHS were already taking 4 years of math.”

Other changes to graduation requirements include a math and English PARCC requirement replacing older HSA requirements.