SF360 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Required mathematics academic standards and credit requirements modification

Related bill: HF802

AI Generated Summary

This legislative bill, SF No 360, introduced by Senators Farnsworth, Rarick, Putnam, Eichorn, and Gustafson, focuses on modifying education standards and credit requirements in Minnesota. The bill outlines changes in several key areas:

  1. Mathematics: It specifies that high school students must complete elements of algebra II, integrated mathematics III, or an equivalent. The middle school curriculum must now include algebra, geometry, and statistics by grade 8 to prepare students for the high school math requirements.

  2. Arts: The bill mandates that public elementary and middle schools offer at least three arts areas and require students to participate in at least two. Public high schools must offer at least three arts areas but only require participation in one.

  3. Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Schools may include instruction on recognizing and preventing sexual abuse within their health curriculum. This education can occur through various means such as annual assemblies or classroom presentations.

  4. Graduation Requirements: The legislation adjusts high school graduation credit requirements:

    • 4 credits in language arts
    • 3 credits in mathematics
    • 3 credits in science
    • 3.5 credits in social studies
    • 1 credit in the arts
    • Additional credits in physical education, health (subject to the implementation of statewide health standards), and a minimum of seven elective credits.
    • Starting from the 2024-2025 school year, a personal finance course must be completed.
  5. Credit Equivalencies: The bill allows for certain courses and credits to fulfill multiple graduation requirements under specific conditions. For example, computer science can count as a math credit if it meets the state’s math standards, and career and technical education credits can fulfill requirements for science, math, or arts.

This bill aims to ensure a comprehensive and flexible educational framework that prepares Minnesota students for academic success and responsible citizenship through enhanced curriculum standards and graduation requirements.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 20, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 20, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 20, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy
January 20, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifications on mathematics course requirements for high school."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 120B.021 subdivision 1 to update required academic standards.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates the description and requirements for statewide academic standards across various subjects."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New personal finance course requirement for students beginning in the 2024-2025 school year."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 120B.024 regarding high school graduation requirements.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustment of credit requirements for science, social studies, and other subjects."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.024",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Advanced placement international baccalaureate or other rigorous courses on government and citizenship."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References specific course content requirements in social studies for students starting in 2025-2026.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
  }
]